meetings africa 2013 day 2

www.theevent.co.zaPlease recycle me Published by

Meetings Africa 2013@MeetingsAfrica #MeetingsAfricawww.meetingsafrica.com South African Tourism South African TourismContact us

The developing world is leading growth in the

number of international conventions hosted,

giving every indication that this is going to be

the ‘African century’ in business events.

This is what Gary Grimmer, Chief Executive Officer at

Gaining Edge, the facilitator of the Association Forum at

the Meetings Africa 2013 BOND (Business Opportunities

Networking Day), told delegates yesterday morning.

Africa is currently experiencing compound an-

nual growth rate of 7.7 percent in meetings host-

ed, more than a percent higher than growth ex-

perienced in Europe and two percent higher than

growth in North America.

This is exciting, and significant, for a number of rea-

sons, Grimmer said. Emerging markets and their grow-

ing status as business event destination hosts drive glo-

ASSOCIATIONS PREPARE FOR THE “AFRICAN CENTURY”

Emerging markets and their

growing status as business event destination hosts

drive globalisation, creating interest in (and hunger

for) business event experiences that are

culturally diverse.

““

balisation, creating interest in (and hunger for) business

event experiences that are culturally diverse.

Associations are vital for this continent, he said. They

drive economic and social transformation, playing a vital

role in continuing education across a gamut of profes-

sions and contributing significantly to the development

of trade, to the knowledge economy, to trade links be-

tween countries, and to research and development.

“It is impossible to overestimate the importance of

the knowledge transfer that is driven by regional and

global associations,” Grimmer said. “Associations attract

thought leaders, showcase innovation, generate media

attention and deliver access to technologies and idea

exchange.”

The Association Forum BOND day was attended

by about 100 delegates, representing a wide variety of

local and African associations. The day-long workshop

featured a number of interactive sessions, giving del-

egates an opportunity to compare challenges, strengths

and to learn from each other.

John Peacock, General Manager of the Associations

Forum, an entity that brings associations together to

boost their performance, provide training and educa-

tion. The interactive sessions were moderated by Linda

Pereira, Executive Director of CPL Events in Portugal.

They share the same insight -- whereas previously trade

shows such as Meetings Africa would provide a simple

platform where supply could meet demand, the ‘new

thinking’ is that trade shows now are being used as a fo-

rum where associations and meetings industry profes-

sionals meet and partner to effect profoundly positive

change for a destination’s positioning, economy and job

creation capacity.

02 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 ISSUE 2

EVENTS

BY INVITATION ONLY

HOSTED BUYERS AND MEDIA

OPEN TO ALL

Today’s Top

TipsEasy RegistrationFor quick and easy registration, there are laptops in the foyer. After registering you can collect your lanyard from the registra-tion booths - this will ensure no queues.Green TipReduce waste by using Poken (www.poken.com) to exchange contact details, and re-quest information in an electronic rather than printed format.Rest StopThere is a Public Meeting Room in the centre of the exhibition floor with comfy couches. This is meant to be a relaxed area to meet informally and can be used as a lo-cator if anyone gets lost.Connect!Meetings Africa’s Facebook page will keep you up to date on all the latest news, includ-ing photos and competitions. Visit www.facebook.com/meetingsafrica and like the page so you’re in the loop.

NOT TO MISS!

SITE AGM Followed by Educational Session

O8h00 – 10h00, Bill Gallagher Room

Registration for Meetings Africa

Opens – 09h00, Entrance Foyer, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Opening Ceremony

10h00 – 11h00, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Exhibition

11h00-17h00, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Stand Awards

17h00 – 18h30, Hall 1, SCC

Hosted Buyers Dinners

18h30-24h00, Off site

Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch

12h00-14h00, Bill Gallagher, SCC

Be There!

ISSUE 2 MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 / 03

The South African and regional African busi-

ness events industry is better represented

at Meetings Africa this year than ever be-

fore, and exhibitors and visitors from the

continent are brimming with excitement over the op-

portunities that will arise during the next three days.

“The numbers of quality buyers and exhibitors is

impressive this year, and the African continent is par-

ticularly well represented, so we are hoping for excel-

lent and lucrative results, in line with our pan-African

strategy to encourage associations throughout the

continent to rotate on a regular basis,” says Amanda

Kotze-Nhlapo, executive manager at the South Afri-

can National Convention Bureau (SANCB).

Of the 145 exhibitors at Meetings Africa 2013,

just over 20 percent represent destinations other

than South Africa on the continent. There are 30 ex-

hibitors from regional and continental Africa in total

at Meetings Africa this year. Lesotho, Zambia, Kenya,

Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Mauritius, Mozam-

bique, Swaziland are among the regional destina-

tions exhibiting here for the first time in 2013. In pre-

vious years the number of destinations from outside

of SA was negligible.

“Continental collaboration is central to the

strategy to grow business event arrivals. Meetings

Africa 2013 provides the ideal platform to initiate

better and more inclusive continental partnerships

that will work to realise the untapped potential

of the continent as a business event destination,”

says Kotze-Nhlapo.

Daily News chatted to some exhibitors from the

rest of the continent to harvest a few insights into

their expectations at Meetings Africa 2013:

LUCY MACRIDIS, VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI – NAIROBI,

“I’m hoping to attract good business from the inter-

national MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences,

exhibitions) market. This is our strongest focus,” says

Lucy. Meetings Africa, she says, is an ideal platform

to do this. “It maximizes our exposure,” she says.

The Meetings Africa online diary, she adds, has re-

ally helped her a lot this year. “I’m looking forward

to making and meeting new contacts, and doing the

best business I can do,” she adds.

SOLISTER CHEELO, ZAMBIA TOURISM BOARD (stand

1015) – ZAMBIA

“Zambia is predominantly a leisure destination, but we

are now trying to build our Business Events industry.

Meetings Africa is the perfect platform to do this,” says

Solister. South Africa is one of the main source markets

for Zambian business events. “So we really want to posi-

tion ourselves optimally at Meetings Africa, and we are

very confident this week will deliver excellent results

through the great networking opportunities available

here, and the excellent calibre of buyers,” he says.

AFRICAN EXHIBITORS ANTICIPATE BEST MEETINGS AFRICA EVERPORTIA MADOKA – ZIMBABWE TOURISM AUTHORITY

(stand 1016)

“We have good business event facilities in Zimbabwe,

and we are hoping to showcase them here at Meetings

Africa to good buyers,” says Portia. “Meetings Africa is

the biggest business events show on the continent and

it’s important that we are here.” Portia has represented

the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority at previous Meet-

ings Africas and did “good business” each time. “We

are sharing our stand with a number of private tourist

products like the Vic Falls Hotel and Holiday Inns, and

all are anticipating good results over the next few days,”

says Portia.

MARTHA YERONIMO – TANZANIA CONFERENCE SER-

VICES LTD, TANZANIA

Tanzania Conference Service LTD is a leading Pro-

fessional Conference Organizer in Tanzania. “Meet-

ings Africa has become a very important event in

our calendar at Tanzania Conference Services Ltd.

I wanted to exhibit at Meetings Africa last year

but there was no space. We are very excited to be

here this year. “This year it’s important for us to

attend Meetings Africa, because there are plenty

of business opportunities at such a big, interna-

tional show. As a visitor (not an exhibitor), I will go

through the list of buyers carefully, particularly the

technology companies, which is our target mar-

ket,” says Martha.

EVENTS

BY INVITATION ONLY

HOSTED BUYERS AND MEDIA

OPEN TO ALL

Today’s Top

TipsEasy RegistrationFor quick and easy registration, there are laptops in the foyer. After registering you can collect your lanyard from the registra-tion booths - this will ensure no queues.Green TipReduce waste by using Poken (www.poken.com) to exchange contact details, and re-quest information in an electronic rather than printed format.Rest StopThere is a Public Meeting Room in the centre of the exhibition floor with comfy couches. This is meant to be a relaxed area to meet informally and can be used as a lo-cator if anyone gets lost.Connect!Meetings Africa’s Facebook page will keep you up to date on all the latest news, includ-ing photos and competitions. Visit www.facebook.com/meetingsafrica and like the page so you’re in the loop.

NOT TO MISS!

SITE AGM Followed by Educational Session

O8h00 – 10h00, Bill Gallagher Room

Registration for Meetings Africa

Opens – 09h00, Entrance Foyer, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Opening Ceremony

10h00 – 11h00, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Exhibition

11h00-17h00, Hall 1, SCC

Meetings Africa Stand Awards

17h00 – 18h30, Hall 1, SCC

Hosted Buyers Dinners

18h30-24h00, Off site

Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch

12h00-14h00, Bill Gallagher, SCC

Be There!

The South African and regional African busi-

ness events industry is better represented

at Meetings Africa this year than ever be-

fore, and exhibitors and visitors from the

continent are brimming with excitement over the op-

portunities that will arise during the next three days.

“The numbers of quality buyers and exhibitors is

impressive this year, and the African continent is par-

ticularly well represented, so we are hoping for excel-

lent and lucrative results, in line with our pan-African

strategy to encourage associations throughout the

continent to rotate on a regular basis,” says Amanda

Kotze-Nhlapo, executive manager at the South Afri-

can National Convention Bureau (SANCB).

Of the 145 exhibitors at Meetings Africa 2013,

just over 20 percent represent destinations other

than South Africa on the continent. There are 30 ex-

hibitors from regional and continental Africa in total

at Meetings Africa this year. Lesotho, Zambia, Kenya,

Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Mauritius, Mozam-

bique, Swaziland are among the regional destina-

tions exhibiting here for the first time in 2013. In pre-

vious years the number of destinations from outside

of SA was negligible.

“Continental collaboration is central to the

strategy to grow business event arrivals. Meetings

Africa 2013 provides the ideal platform to initiate

better and more inclusive continental partnerships

that will work to realise the untapped potential

of the continent as a business event destination,”

says Kotze-Nhlapo.

Daily News chatted to some exhibitors from the

rest of the continent to harvest a few insights into

their expectations at Meetings Africa 2013:

LUCY MACRIDIS, VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI – NAIROBI,

“I’m hoping to attract good business from the inter-

national MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences,

exhibitions) market. This is our strongest focus,” says

Lucy. Meetings Africa, she says, is an ideal platform

to do this. “It maximizes our exposure,” she says.

The Meetings Africa online diary, she adds, has re-

ally helped her a lot this year. “I’m looking forward

to making and meeting new contacts, and doing the

best business I can do,” she adds.

SOLISTER CHEELO, ZAMBIA TOURISM BOARD (stand

1015) – ZAMBIA

“Zambia is predominantly a leisure destination, but we

are now trying to build our Business Events industry.

Meetings Africa is the perfect platform to do this,” says

Solister. South Africa is one of the main source markets

for Zambian business events. “So we really want to posi-

tion ourselves optimally at Meetings Africa, and we are

very confident this week will deliver excellent results

through the great networking opportunities available

here, and the excellent calibre of buyers,” he says.

AFRICAN EXHIBITORS ANTICIPATE BEST MEETINGS AFRICA EVERPORTIA MADOKA – ZIMBABWE TOURISM AUTHORITY

(stand 1016)

“We have good business event facilities in Zimbabwe,

and we are hoping to showcase them here at Meetings

Africa to good buyers,” says Portia. “Meetings Africa is

the biggest business events show on the continent and

it’s important that we are here.” Portia has represented

the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority at previous Meet-

ings Africas and did “good business” each time. “We

are sharing our stand with a number of private tourist

products like the Vic Falls Hotel and Holiday Inns, and

all are anticipating good results over the next few days,”

says Portia.

MARTHA YERONIMO – TANZANIA CONFERENCE SER-

VICES LTD, TANZANIA

Tanzania Conference Service LTD is a leading Pro-

fessional Conference Organizer in Tanzania. “Meet-

ings Africa has become a very important event in

our calendar at Tanzania Conference Services Ltd.

I wanted to exhibit at Meetings Africa last year

but there was no space. We are very excited to be

here this year. “This year it’s important for us to

attend Meetings Africa, because there are plenty

of business opportunities at such a big, interna-

tional show. As a visitor (not an exhibitor), I will go

through the list of buyers carefully, particularly the

technology companies, which is our target mar-

ket,” says Martha.

WHAT YOU’RE THINKING AT MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 Twitter

We ask you what the most important topics, meetings and networks are that you’ve been involved in at Meetings African 2013

“The concept of Meetings Africa is wonderful and that they are investing so much in The Future Leaders Forum is so important for the industry in Africa. We need to encourage the brightest stu-dents to join the industry because companies need good people, so this is really important for the industry.” Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director, IMEX Group

“Good to hear about how associations should be run and the structure to support that, Great advice and outcomes to match the ultimate goal of advancing Africa Together.” Megan Arendse, General Manager Commercial & Business Development, CTICC

“Terrific bunch of students from all around South Africa, en-joying the pearls of wisdom presented by really great speakers. This kind of forum assists in developing their careers in the right direction, it’s terrific.” David Sands, SITE Global President, commenting on the Future Leaders Forum

“Africa needs this focal point, Meetings Africa is the starting point. Africa needs a home base to bring clients to showcase Africa’s offering to the global meetings industry. It’s good to see other African countries represented at Meetings Africa. With world class infrastructure and services people recognise South Africa is the market leader in Africa. As a leader, South Africa has an important role to play in stimulating growth on the continent and as a leader should benefit from this proportionately.” Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO

“Meetings Africa is a great platform for us to expose all that we are and can be to the Business Events sector.” Lerisha Mudaliar, Western Cape Convention Bureau

“So far it’s nice to see how everything comes together. Nor-mally I’m at a function and I see everything once it’s already put together. So to see everything built from scratch is really exciting. And at the end how everything comes together at an international affair.” Leanne Margo, Sales Executive at Kievits Kroon Country Estate & Spa

#MeetingsAfrica@MeetingsAfrica

What You’ve Been Saying

@VickiRothman: “@MeetingsAfrica: #MeetingsAfrica gift bags - made from recycled plastic bottles. @SandtonEvents” thank you it’s lovely!

@Tezzmania (Monde Mateza): “@MeetingsAfrica: Share knowl-edge, strategise and gain insights from the industry’s leading experts, at the #MeetingsAfrica 2013 BOND DAY.”

@bayofgracetours: “@MeetingsAfrica 1 of my favourite events of the year #meetingsafrica”

@MeetingsAfrica: “Share knowledge, strategise and gain insights from the industry’s leading experts, at the #MeetingsA-frica 2013 BOND DAY”

@johnarv (John Arvanitakis): “It’s BOND DAY at Meetings Africa 2013, a day of amazing speakers, top-ics and lots to learn.... all rounded off...”

@william_price (William Price): “Just look up to see #MeetingsAfrica has taken over #Sandton CBD pic.twitter.com/hjAEFdyt”

@adriaanjl (Adriaan J Liebetrau): “I see lots of excitement mounting as people from all over are arriving in Jozi for #MeetingsAfrica see you all on Tuesday!”

WHAT YOU’RE THINKING AT MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 Twitter

We ask you what the most important topics, meetings and networks are that you’ve been involved in at Meetings African 2013

“The concept of Meetings Africa is wonderful and that they are investing so much in The Future Leaders Forum is so important for the industry in Africa. We need to encourage the brightest stu-dents to join the industry because companies need good people, so this is really important for the industry.” Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director, IMEX Group

“Good to hear about how associations should be run and the structure to support that, Great advice and outcomes to match the ultimate goal of advancing Africa Together.” Megan Arendse, General Manager Commercial & Business Development, CTICC

“Terrific bunch of students from all around South Africa, en-joying the pearls of wisdom presented by really great speakers. This kind of forum assists in developing their careers in the right direction, it’s terrific.” David Sands, SITE Global President, commenting on the Future Leaders Forum

“Africa needs this focal point, Meetings Africa is the starting point. Africa needs a home base to bring clients to showcase Africa’s offering to the global meetings industry. It’s good to see other African countries represented at Meetings Africa. With world class infrastructure and services people recognise South Africa is the market leader in Africa. As a leader, South Africa has an important role to play in stimulating growth on the continent and as a leader should benefit from this proportionately.” Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO

“Meetings Africa is a great platform for us to expose all that we are and can be to the Business Events sector.” Lerisha Mudaliar, Western Cape Convention Bureau

“So far it’s nice to see how everything comes together. Nor-mally I’m at a function and I see everything once it’s already put together. So to see everything built from scratch is really exciting. And at the end how everything comes together at an international affair.” Leanne Margo, Sales Executive at Kievits Kroon Country Estate & Spa

#MeetingsAfrica@MeetingsAfrica

What You’ve Been Saying

@VickiRothman: “@MeetingsAfrica: #MeetingsAfrica gift bags - made from recycled plastic bottles. @SandtonEvents” thank you it’s lovely!

@Tezzmania (Monde Mateza): “@MeetingsAfrica: Share knowl-edge, strategise and gain insights from the industry’s leading experts, at the #MeetingsAfrica 2013 BOND DAY.”

@bayofgracetours: “@MeetingsAfrica 1 of my favourite events of the year #meetingsafrica”

@MeetingsAfrica: “Share knowledge, strategise and gain insights from the industry’s leading experts, at the #MeetingsA-frica 2013 BOND DAY”

@johnarv (John Arvanitakis): “It’s BOND DAY at Meetings Africa 2013, a day of amazing speakers, top-ics and lots to learn.... all rounded off...”

@william_price (William Price): “Just look up to see #MeetingsAfrica has taken over #Sandton CBD pic.twitter.com/hjAEFdyt”

@adriaanjl (Adriaan J Liebetrau): “I see lots of excitement mounting as people from all over are arriving in Jozi for #MeetingsAfrica see you all on Tuesday!”

Kievits Kroon

Seen at Meetings Africa 2013

NEED TO KNOW• Youcanbookameetingroomforanappoint-

ment-contacttheGenienePrestonatGenie-

[email protected]

• Asanexhibitioryoucanaccess free internet.

SendDaneaGuthrieansmson0825604202

fortheaccesscodes.

• For emergencies, you can contact Genevieve

the paramedics on 083 307 6800. The para-

medicsarelocatednearthemedialoungeon

theexhibitionfloor.

• OnWednesdayonly,theshowstartsat9am,not

10am(theexhibitionfloorshow).

• Parking vouchers are not included in the ex-

hibitors packet. If youdidn’t order beforehand,

pleasevisittheorganisersoffice.

• AllExhibitors:onWednesday,aftertheshow(af-

ter7),ifyoubreakdownyourstandafter7,you

cangothroughthenight-noclosingdowntime.

• Visitthe“What’sOn”tabatmeetingsafrica.com

forthelatesteventshappening!

Meetings Africa is being followed closely by

readers of the International Meetings Review

Network (IMRN). Film & Event Media, pub-

lishers of The Event, have a partnership with

IMRN that puts meetings in Africa in strategic

focus. “We’re really excited…for two rea-

sons,” says James Latham, Publisher, IMRN,

“the quality of the content and the distribu-

tion – Film & Event Media’s investment in dis-

tribution and working with key stakeholders

like the South African Convention Bureau.”

IMRN – Eye on Africa

Kievits Kroon

Seen at Meetings Africa 2013

NEED TO KNOW• Youcanbookameetingroomforanappoint-

ment-contacttheGenienePrestonatGenie-

[email protected]

• Asanexhibitioryoucanaccess free internet.

SendDaneaGuthrieansmson0825604202

fortheaccesscodes.

• For emergencies, you can contact Genevieve

the paramedics on 083 307 6800. The para-

medicsarelocatednearthemedialoungeon

theexhibitionfloor.

• OnWednesdayonly,theshowstartsat9am,not

10am(theexhibitionfloorshow).

• Parking vouchers are not included in the ex-

hibitors packet. If youdidn’t order beforehand,

pleasevisittheorganisersoffice.

• AllExhibitors:onWednesday,aftertheshow(af-

ter7),ifyoubreakdownyourstandafter7,you

cangothroughthenight-noclosingdowntime.

• Visitthe“What’sOn”tabatmeetingsafrica.com

forthelatesteventshappening!

Meetings Africa is being followed closely by

readers of the International Meetings Review

Network (IMRN). Film & Event Media, pub-

lishers of The Event, have a partnership with

IMRN that puts meetings in Africa in strategic

focus. “We’re really excited…for two rea-

sons,” says James Latham, Publisher, IMRN,

“the quality of the content and the distribu-

tion – Film & Event Media’s investment in dis-

tribution and working with key stakeholders

like the South African Convention Bureau.”

IMRN – Eye on Africa

veteran Dirk Elzinga.

Members can register online on www.saaci2013.

co.za. Early bird registration closes on 28 May.

The conference is open to anyone with an in-

terest in the conference industry – including venue

owners and managers, professional conference

organisers, corporate marketing and event profes-

sionals, event planners, public relations practitio-

ners, exhibition organisers and suppliers of prod-

ucts and services.

For more information contact Eastern Sun Events

on tel 041 374 5654 or [email protected].

The Meetings Africa team is encouraging all ex-

hibitors and visitors to follow its green initiatives. On a

simple level, that campaign is designed to reduce the

amount of waste produced by the event, cut down on

water consumption and to use less electricity.

Yet the green campaign has a wider impact too,

since many organisations seeking suitable cities and

venues in which to stage their business conferences and

exhibitions strongly support going green. They are look-

ing locations that share their commitment, so Johan-

nesburg’s ability to prove it is the greenest city in Africa

– in several ways – can only be good for business.

The Meetings Africa team produced an Event Green-

ing Strategy ahead of the show setting out objectives and

suggesting ways to achieve them. They included:

• Requesting exhibitors to reduce their packaging

materials to cut down on waste. Rubbish is be-

ing separated to reduce the amount that ends up

in landfill, with an aim of recycling 80% of waste

rather than sending it to landfill.

• Energy efficiency: Stands are encouraged to use

energy efficient lights and audio-visual displays,

and to use natural light and ventilation where

possible.

• Water conservation: Participants are encouraged

to implement water conservation principles and

use water in a responsible manner.

I t’s full steam ahead for the Southern Afri-

can Association for the Conference Industry

(SAACI) on the heels of their Special General

Meeting yesterday.

Going green is no longer a catch phrase or a

passing fad for tree huggers. It’s a crucial

part of everything we do, influencing our

lives every day.

If going green isn’t already part of your life, it should

be, delegates to Meetings Africa heard yesterday, or our

negligence will damage the lives of our children and our

children’s children.

Efforts by Meetings Africa to make its event as

environmentally friendly as possible now include a

seminar dedicated to going green. That’s in addition

to the strong messages sent to all exhibitors, speakers

and visitors to make sure their own participation is as

green as possible.

While stalls were being set up downstairs in com-

pliance to certain green requirements, the seminar up-

stairs was staged by the Event Greening Forum.

The first thing the audience noticed were water

jugs on the tables, replacing the usual bottled water

that contributes to global warming by its creation

and destruction. The keynote speaker was Jeunesse

Park, the founder of Food and Trees for Africa, who

presented Al Gore’s Climate Change speech. It’s full

of startling facts to shake up complacence and hope-

fully put an end to doubts about whether humans

are damaging the environment. There are still some

climate doubters, yet every major academic insti-

STAY TUNED TO SAACI!

SPREADING THE WORD ON GOING GREEN

The 2013 national congress and

exhibition of the SAACI will be held at the Boardwalk

Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth from

28 to 30 July.

The 2013 national congress and exhibition of

the SAACI will be held at the Boardwalk Convention

Centre in Port Elizabeth from 28 to 30 July.

Themed ‘Create. Debate. Innovate.’, the con-

gress will present an opportunity for delegates to

address many of the challenges faced by the indus-

try in 2013.

“In addition to our top class venue and facili-

ties we are working with a very strong programme

committee that is putting together an incredibly

relevant programme that will not only inform, but

challenge us to find the best path forward. ‘Take

home value’ is what it is about,” says congress

chairman Andrew Stewart.

Stewart says the congress committee, made up

of representatives of the different sub-sectors of

the conference industry, is hard at work to make it

a benchmark event.

“SAACI members have already received cor-

respondence from us, calling for abstracts by 29

March and we will release regular updates over the

next few months.”

Speakers already confirmed for the congress

include Matthew Lester, Associate Professor at the

Rhodes Business School, who will deliver the key-

note address, Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer

of the Adelaide Convention Centre and industry

tute that had investigated the issue concluded that

humans are harming the climate, Jeunesse stressed.

“Surely all of us clever people who organise meetings

and events can come up with some solutions,” she

said. “Ignorance is going to leave a terrible life for our

children and their children.” Yet despite South Af-

rica’s ideal position to take advantage of wind, solar

and wave power, very little is being invested to capi-

talise on that. Jeunesse’s presentation showed maps

highlighting areas of severe droughts and devastating

floods, and other events of ‘extreme weather’ that

have become almost commonplace.

Scientists have been measuring the global climate

since about 1880, and the last 10 years have been the

hottest on record. As temperatures rise, so does the fre-

quency of severe storms and heavy snows. “The more

carbon pollution we put into the atmosphere the more

we alter our climate, and the more we are at risk of

extreme weather,” Jeunesse said. “The days of switch-

ing on a tap and water coming out are coming to a fast

end,” she warned.

Jeunesse was followed by Matthew Rosmarin

speaking on bio-mimicry, and how taking lessons from

nature can help you to improve and innovate your busi-

ness. The Event Greening Forum also staged its AGM

at Meetings Africa, as well as spreading the message

about everybody doing their bit to protect the planet.

- By Lesley Stones

Andrew Stewart

veteran Dirk Elzinga.

Members can register online on www.saaci2013.

co.za. Early bird registration closes on 28 May.

The conference is open to anyone with an in-

terest in the conference industry – including venue

owners and managers, professional conference

organisers, corporate marketing and event profes-

sionals, event planners, public relations practitio-

ners, exhibition organisers and suppliers of prod-

ucts and services.

For more information contact Eastern Sun Events

on tel 041 374 5654 or [email protected].

The Meetings Africa team is encouraging all ex-

hibitors and visitors to follow its green initiatives. On a

simple level, that campaign is designed to reduce the

amount of waste produced by the event, cut down on

water consumption and to use less electricity.

Yet the green campaign has a wider impact too,

since many organisations seeking suitable cities and

venues in which to stage their business conferences and

exhibitions strongly support going green. They are look-

ing locations that share their commitment, so Johan-

nesburg’s ability to prove it is the greenest city in Africa

– in several ways – can only be good for business.

The Meetings Africa team produced an Event Green-

ing Strategy ahead of the show setting out objectives and

suggesting ways to achieve them. They included:

• Requesting exhibitors to reduce their packaging

materials to cut down on waste. Rubbish is be-

ing separated to reduce the amount that ends up

in landfill, with an aim of recycling 80% of waste

rather than sending it to landfill.

• Energy efficiency: Stands are encouraged to use

energy efficient lights and audio-visual displays,

and to use natural light and ventilation where

possible.

• Water conservation: Participants are encouraged

to implement water conservation principles and

use water in a responsible manner.

I t’s full steam ahead for the Southern Afri-

can Association for the Conference Industry

(SAACI) on the heels of their Special General

Meeting yesterday.

Going green is no longer a catch phrase or a

passing fad for tree huggers. It’s a crucial

part of everything we do, influencing our

lives every day.

If going green isn’t already part of your life, it should

be, delegates to Meetings Africa heard yesterday, or our

negligence will damage the lives of our children and our

children’s children.

Efforts by Meetings Africa to make its event as

environmentally friendly as possible now include a

seminar dedicated to going green. That’s in addition

to the strong messages sent to all exhibitors, speakers

and visitors to make sure their own participation is as

green as possible.

While stalls were being set up downstairs in com-

pliance to certain green requirements, the seminar up-

stairs was staged by the Event Greening Forum.

The first thing the audience noticed were water

jugs on the tables, replacing the usual bottled water

that contributes to global warming by its creation

and destruction. The keynote speaker was Jeunesse

Park, the founder of Food and Trees for Africa, who

presented Al Gore’s Climate Change speech. It’s full

of startling facts to shake up complacence and hope-

fully put an end to doubts about whether humans

are damaging the environment. There are still some

climate doubters, yet every major academic insti-

STAY TUNED TO SAACI!

The 2013 national congress and

exhibition of the SAACI will be held at the Boardwalk

Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth from

28 to 30 July.

The 2013 national congress and exhibition of

the SAACI will be held at the Boardwalk Convention

Centre in Port Elizabeth from 28 to 30 July.

Themed ‘Create. Debate. Innovate.’, the con-

gress will present an opportunity for delegates to

address many of the challenges faced by the indus-

try in 2013.

“In addition to our top class venue and facili-

ties we are working with a very strong programme

committee that is putting together an incredibly

relevant programme that will not only inform, but

challenge us to find the best path forward. ‘Take

home value’ is what it is about,” says congress

chairman Andrew Stewart.

Stewart says the congress committee, made up

of representatives of the different sub-sectors of

the conference industry, is hard at work to make it

a benchmark event.

“SAACI members have already received cor-

respondence from us, calling for abstracts by 29

March and we will release regular updates over the

next few months.”

Speakers already confirmed for the congress

include Matthew Lester, Associate Professor at the

Rhodes Business School, who will deliver the key-

note address, Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer

of the Adelaide Convention Centre and industry

tute that had investigated the issue concluded that

humans are harming the climate, Jeunesse stressed.

“Surely all of us clever people who organise meetings

and events can come up with some solutions,” she

said. “Ignorance is going to leave a terrible life for our

children and their children.” Yet despite South Af-

rica’s ideal position to take advantage of wind, solar

and wave power, very little is being invested to capi-

talise on that. Jeunesse’s presentation showed maps

highlighting areas of severe droughts and devastating

floods, and other events of ‘extreme weather’ that

have become almost commonplace.

Scientists have been measuring the global climate

since about 1880, and the last 10 years have been the

hottest on record. As temperatures rise, so does the fre-

quency of severe storms and heavy snows. “The more

carbon pollution we put into the atmosphere the more

we alter our climate, and the more we are at risk of

extreme weather,” Jeunesse said. “The days of switch-

ing on a tap and water coming out are coming to a fast

end,” she warned.

Jeunesse was followed by Matthew Rosmarin

speaking on bio-mimicry, and how taking lessons from

nature can help you to improve and innovate your busi-

ness. The Event Greening Forum also staged its AGM

at Meetings Africa, as well as spreading the message

about everybody doing their bit to protect the planet.

- By Lesley Stones

Andrew Stewart

Excellent advice was given to youngsters

planning a career in the meetings industry

at the Future Leaders Forum yesterday.

A group of 24 university students

studying tourism and event management were

chosen for the two-day educational programme. It

gives them insight into areas they could specialise

in, new networks of contacts and advice on how to

stand out from the crowd.

The Future Leaders Forum is organised by IMEX

(The Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel,

Meetings and Events group), runs in partnership

with MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and

MCI, an independent communications and event

management company.

Meetings Africa is the perfect partner for its

South African activities, says Dale Hudson, the Events

and Projects Director with IMEX. “The programme

has been going for 10 years in 15 countries around

the world. The industry needs the best and bright-

est students so we are introducing them to real live

events rather than the academic environment.”

Spending two days at Meetings Africa gives stu-

dents plenty of opportunities to meet movers and

shakers in the industry, collect their business cards

and have conversations about opportunities within

the sector. It also gives them the chance to meet

and impress potential future employees.

The 24 students were chosen for showing the

most potential to have a successful career in the in-

dustry after universities across the country encour-

aged them to apply for the Future Leaders Forum.

As part of the programme, the youngsters held

roundtable discussions with representatives from

various sectors of the meetings industry, including

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

ICCA AFRICA

The industry needs the best and brightest

students so we are introducing them to

real live events rather than the academic

environment.

hotels, venues, travel agents and event organisers.

They also heard from David Sand, the CEO of Uwin

Iwin and president of SITE, and from Rashid Toefy,

CEO of the Cape Town Convention Centre, who spoke

about the qualities that make a good leader.

None of the students could fail to be motivat-

ed by Linda Pereira, the Executive Director of CPL

Events. A fiery bundle of energy, she encouraged

them to stand out from the crowd through their ac-

tions, their appearance, their enthusiasm and their

professionalism. She berated those who had not

researched her company before hearing her speak,

condemning that as lazy and unprofessional. She

urged them to research any company well before

they think of applying for a job there, so they can

make sure they will fit into its culture and represent

that organisation well.

Linda also told them not just to gather business

cards randomly, but to target those people they

have already researched as potentially useful con-

tacts. Then they should write down notes from the

conversations so they remember the details of the

person, and follow up with them by email.

They should volunteer for work experience, join

associations and be a giver, not a taker, she urged.

Her inspiring talk was useful even to the older and

experienced people sitting in on the event.

As part of the Future Leaders Forum, six of the

students took part in a speaking competition that

will win one of them a place at the International Uni-

versity Challenge in Frankfurt. The six were asked to

prepare a 10 minute presentation about staging a

meeting with cultural relevance. Judges selected the

most impressive three entries and those students

made their presentations yesterday during the Fu-

ture Leaders Forum.

The winner will attend the final in Germany in

May to compete against winners selected from the

other Future Leaders Forums.

Since its launch in 2003 the Future Leaders Fo-

rum has given 5,400 students insight into their cho-

sen industry in countries including Korea, Thailand

and China, as well as South Africa.

Of those students, 90% have said they are more

likely to enter the industry as a result. The students

can also benefit from the Future Leaders Network,

which offers the former attendees a network of

peers from across the world, as well as continued

career guidance and opportunities.

ICCA Africa’s Chapter Meeting put the

continent in the spotlight. “We want to

host more sessions assisting Africa and

showing what support is available from

ICCA. We want to focus on growing in South

Africa and the African continent,” says Nina

Freysen-Pretorius, ICCA Board Representa-

tive for Africa and the Middle East, Senior

Vice President. Join the conversation on

Twitter: #MeetingsAfrica.

- By Lesley Stones

Excellent advice was given to youngsters

planning a career in the meetings industry

at the Future Leaders Forum yesterday.

A group of 24 university students

studying tourism and event management were

chosen for the two-day educational programme. It

gives them insight into areas they could specialise

in, new networks of contacts and advice on how to

stand out from the crowd.

The Future Leaders Forum is organised by IMEX

(The Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel,

Meetings and Events group), runs in partnership

with MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and

MCI, an independent communications and event

management company.

Meetings Africa is the perfect partner for its

South African activities, says Dale Hudson, the Events

and Projects Director with IMEX. “The programme

has been going for 10 years in 15 countries around

the world. The industry needs the best and bright-

est students so we are introducing them to real live

events rather than the academic environment.”

Spending two days at Meetings Africa gives stu-

dents plenty of opportunities to meet movers and

shakers in the industry, collect their business cards

and have conversations about opportunities within

the sector. It also gives them the chance to meet

and impress potential future employees.

The 24 students were chosen for showing the

most potential to have a successful career in the in-

dustry after universities across the country encour-

aged them to apply for the Future Leaders Forum.

As part of the programme, the youngsters held

roundtable discussions with representatives from

various sectors of the meetings industry, including

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

ICCA AFRICA

The industry needs the best and brightest

students so we are introducing them to

real live events rather than the academic

environment.

hotels, venues, travel agents and event organisers.

They also heard from David Sand, the CEO of Uwin

Iwin and president of SITE, and from Rashid Toefy,

CEO of the Cape Town Convention Centre, who spoke

about the qualities that make a good leader.

None of the students could fail to be motivat-

ed by Linda Pereira, the Executive Director of CPL

Events. A fiery bundle of energy, she encouraged

them to stand out from the crowd through their ac-

tions, their appearance, their enthusiasm and their

professionalism. She berated those who had not

researched her company before hearing her speak,

condemning that as lazy and unprofessional. She

urged them to research any company well before

they think of applying for a job there, so they can

make sure they will fit into its culture and represent

that organisation well.

Linda also told them not just to gather business

cards randomly, but to target those people they

have already researched as potentially useful con-

tacts. Then they should write down notes from the

conversations so they remember the details of the

person, and follow up with them by email.

They should volunteer for work experience, join

associations and be a giver, not a taker, she urged.

Her inspiring talk was useful even to the older and

experienced people sitting in on the event.

As part of the Future Leaders Forum, six of the

students took part in a speaking competition that

will win one of them a place at the International Uni-

versity Challenge in Frankfurt. The six were asked to

prepare a 10 minute presentation about staging a

meeting with cultural relevance. Judges selected the

most impressive three entries and those students

made their presentations yesterday during the Fu-

ture Leaders Forum.

The winner will attend the final in Germany in

May to compete against winners selected from the

other Future Leaders Forums.

Since its launch in 2003 the Future Leaders Fo-

rum has given 5,400 students insight into their cho-

sen industry in countries including Korea, Thailand

and China, as well as South Africa.

Of those students, 90% have said they are more

likely to enter the industry as a result. The students

can also benefit from the Future Leaders Network,

which offers the former attendees a network of

peers from across the world, as well as continued

career guidance and opportunities.

ICCA Africa’s Chapter Meeting put the

continent in the spotlight. “We want to

host more sessions assisting Africa and

showing what support is available from

ICCA. We want to focus on growing in South

Africa and the African continent,” says Nina

Freysen-Pretorius, ICCA Board Representa-

tive for Africa and the Middle East, Senior

Vice President. Join the conversation on

Twitter: #MeetingsAfrica.

- By Lesley Stones

meetings africa 2013 day 2

Documents

african associations

associations forum

global associations

business event destination

business events

business event experiences

drive gloassociations

bymeetings africa