Meetings Africa Daily News 24 February2015

MEETINGS AFRICA DAILY NEWS 2015 | 1

Issue Number 2 24 February 2015

A decade of Meetings Africa growth

2015 is a momentous year for Meetings Africa, a year that Africas premier business events trade show celebrates its tenth anniversary.

While the South Africa National Convention Bureau and all delegates take stock of how far Meetings Africa has come, the 2015 edition of the show also affords the industry an opportunity to look towards the future.

Back in 2005, very few of us could have predicted that Meetings Africa would grow into the seminal event it is today, says Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism.

Yet ambition, vision, hard work and a spirit of partnership across the continent has brought Meetings Africa to where it is today. This has ensured that Africa takes its place as one of the most exciting and capable business events destinations in the world.

Delegates in attendance at BOND Day yesterday congratulated Meetings Africa and its hosts on this momentous anniversary and milestone.

Bruce Redor, Europe, Middle East and African Partner at Gaining Edge says Meetings Africa is now established as one of the most significant business events trade shows in the world, thanks in no small part to the role of Meetings Africa as a showcase of the destination, and as a platform to network. We congratulate you on this 10-year milestone. As Meetings Africa grows, this continent will become one of the worlds preferred regions for business events.

Peter McKuchane of the Northern Cape Tourism Authority says that it is fact that Meetings Africa, under the South Africa National Convention Bureau, has pulled the African business events industry into a strategically-directed and ambitious team.

This year, in the tenth anniversary of Meetings Africa, we congratulate Meetings Africa on Advancing Africa Together, and look forward to growing business event arrivals to our province. Meetings Africa gives us the optimal marketing and business platform, and I am without doubt

that business event delegates will comprise a substantial percentage of total arrivals to the Northern Cape in the future.

Lorraine Jenks of Green Stuff (Hotel Stuff) congratulates Meetings Africa in going from strength to strength and for sustainable growth in the last ten years.

It is especially exciting to see how Meetings Africa has inspired the South African industry to offer an increasingly sustainable, responsible and green service to the global business event market. Meetings Africa is, in fact, now seen as a benchmark event for responsibility and sustainability in this industry.

Johnny Muteba, an event manager at Kwame Nkrumah Institute, a holistic leadership development organisation, says ten years is an important milestone for Meetings Africa.

It is milestone that is reckoned in terms of how the show has assisted the industry to work together, to grow and to reach its targets and ambitions. Meetings Africa makes personal interaction with the rest of the industry possible, and a pleasure. I look forward to the next ten years of Meetings Africa.

Prisca Lete, a researcher at Osiba Management is attending her third Meetings Africa, and says the trade show gets better every year. It is thanks to Meetings Africa, she says, that many people including herself see a future for themselves in business events. Meetings Africa has not only contributed to the larger African economy these last ten years, it has contributed to individual lives, too. This alone is worth all the celebration.

Meetings Africa will continue for many years to offer the continental business events sector a platform to engage and do business, both across the continent, and with the worlds premier business event buyers. We thank each exhibitor, each buyer and every delegate for their role in this burgeoning industry, and we look forward with each of you to Meetings Africas future, says Nzima.

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MEETINGS

AFRICA

Meetings Africa is behind the growth of Africas desirability as a business events host region. - Bruce Redor of Gaining Edge.

Meetings Africa has not only contributed to the larger African economy these ten years, but also to individual lives. - Prisca Lete of Osiba Management.

Its been ten years of Meetings Africa helping the industry work together. - Johnny Muteba of the Kwame Nkrumah Institute.

2 | MEETINGS AFRICA DAILY NEWS 2015

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MEETINGS

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Associations must evolve to match the needs of their members and leadership structures must in turn keep pace with these demands.

This is the view presented by Robin Lokerman, Group President of MCI at the Bond Day hosted at Meetings Africa 2015. Lokerman outlined some of the challenges and opportunities available to small and large associations with respect to the type of leadership structures in the face of changing member requirements driven by technology. He emphasised that all organisations should remain member driven.

We are here to provide our members with benefits but there are two ways of getting there, explained Lokerman. He described the approaches to organisational structure as volunteer driven versus staff driven.

In volunteer driven organisations, the volunteers are responsible for operations, Lokerman said. The core responsibility lies with the volunteer leadership even when there is a staff within the organisation, they perform an administrative function rather than an executive function. This is typical of smaller organisations.

Larger associations are moving away from that volunteer driven model. They typically have bigger budgets and more activities, in which case there is a large staff complement and the volunteers play more of a leadership role. They set the direction of the organisation and develop policy.

According to Lokerman, the association of the future is an integrated one.

Associations are a key driver of growth for the meetings industry on the African continent. This emerged at the second annual Association Day presented by ICCA at Meetings Africa 2015. Speaking at the opening event, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South Africa National Convention Bureau, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo said: In the words of Nelson Mandela, Africans time has come.

Meetings Africa is now 10 years old. We have spent a number of years developing our strategy and setting our goals. Now we know who we are and what we want. We have come to realise that we cannot be everything to everyone but we can be the right destination for organisations looking for solutions to complex problems facing our continent.

We hope that Meetings Africa will give all of us the opportunity to speak about the growth of Africa and you, our association buyers, are the most important participants in this conversation, said Kotze-Nhlapo.

Nina Freysen-Pretorius, President of ICCA, echoed her sentiment saying that Africa has the potential to change the world and this can be achieved when organisations openly discuss the issues that affect not only their organisations, but the globe.

The meetings industry is facilitator for discussions

that drive society forward, says Freysen-Pretorius. The role of meetings organisations is to create the right environment for decision makers to share knowledge and leave a lasting legacy.

In discussing the role of leadership in the meetings industry, Freysen-Pretorius drew on the work her organisation had undertaken to ensure that good governance practices were followed. Transparency is a key measure of good governance, she said. She said that members of ICCA were given the opportunity to vote on issues such as the registration fee, approve the budget and vote for board members.

In addition, the organisation had developed an association portal through which it was able to converse with its association members and in so doing was able to better understand where the associations aspirations lay and how best these could be supported.

Conference delegate, Brian Ssennoga of the Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa said that hearing from professionals who help associations to define their strategies had been extremely useful.

Associations have the power to drive change, in that together we can persuade governments on the continent to put in a place a favourable legal regime for associations to thrive, he said.

We are looking at a change in association management, said Lokerman. In the past there were three key functions in the association - the president who was official spokesperson and ensured efficacy, the secretary general who ran the organisation and the finances were handled by the treasurer.

He explained that these office bearers were supported by volunteer members on an ad-hoc basis to deliver certain functions like educational programmes. At conference time, the association would often hire a local PCO who was often not entrenched within the organisation. As a result the organisationsactivitiesweredisjointedandlackedintegration.

However, in the last 10 to 15 years, there has been a shift towards a more integrated approach to association management, said Lokerman. In Europe this concept is well established and it is taking root in Asia. Africa is soon to follow.

Lokerman outlined the components of the integrated model saying that an integrated organisation focuses solely on member needs which include contributing to a professional community and conferencing and publishing activities.

In this new integrated model, the web is the centre of the community and the activities being delivered. Education programmes are moving online. Industry relations do not simply consist of sponsorship or advertising, but through technology deeper relationships with corporate sponsors

can become part of the member organisations. Similarly, institutional relations can be successfully driven through this model where the association becomes an advocate for the profession and government starts to see it as a key resource.

Though there is more responsibility placed on the staff to manage the integration process, the advantages of the model are significant. The association is able to focus on its core business of delivering benefits to members and allows it to outsource the management of the functions to specialists.

Most well-managed associations are looking for outsourcing partners, explained Lokerman. There is a small HQ team and strategically outsourced publishing and PCO activities. Some associations go even further and outsource all their activities to an association management company.

Most associations in the US with budgets of less than USD 3 million are managed by association management companies. There are more than 600 of these in the US. In Africa, there is only one. Herein lies the opportunity for growth on the continent.

Association Management Companies bring in a team of experts that works on a part-time basis for the association. They provide training, management and development for these people so that they can have a career out of managing associations. This, I believe, is the future for associations, said Lokerman.

ATTendees

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integration is key for the future of associations

African associations are agents of change

The association of the future is an integrated one - Robin Lokerman, Group President of MCI


Networking was the name of the game as the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum kicked off this years Meetings Africa programme with an agenda that included industry experts, professionals and public sector officials.

The Future Leaders Forum has been developed to encourage the best and brightest students to develop successful careers in the meetings industry, says IMEX Group Knowledge and Events Director, Dale Hudson,

Over 110 forums have taken place globally since 2003 with more than 6 500 students participating to date.

She gave students background on the forum as well as networking tips that they could apply during their attendance of Meetings Africa 2015.

Ninety percent of students surveyed said they are likely to enter the industry as a result of attending a forum, she said.

Group President of the MCI Group, Tamlynne Wilton, Director of Business Development & Marketing at MCI South Africa, Robin Lokerman and Managing Director, MCI South Rashid Toefy, Africa were also on hand to discuss such important issues, such as how this buoyant, valuable and expanding industry is viewed by its employers and employees around the world, especially in these troubled economic and political times

Also on the agenda was the International University Challenge.

The University Challenge was created in 2009 to encourage students to showcase their ideas and talent and is held at six selected Future Leaders Forums around the world, said Hudson.

Regional winners are invited to present their bid at the finals at IMEX in Frankfurt, competing against other universities for the grand prize sponsored by the MPI Foundation.

In this session, the three selected students - Anzelle Vorstmann, Tanya de Jongh and Marne Schouwstra - were each given ten minutes to present their bid toajuryof industryprofessionals.Vorstmannwaschosen as the winner.

Anzelle Vorstmann, a student at North-West University in Potchefstroom yesterday won first prize at the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum at Meetings Africa 2015.

Anzelle won ahead of two other shortlisted candidates for her project - Being artistic asmeetings professionals - that examines the great value creativity brings to the meetings, conferencing and events component of the business events industry.

Jurors who evaluated the finalists say Anzelles project stood out for its innovation and fresh,out-of-the-box thinking and ideas that have the potential to add great value to the business event service offering.

As Africas regional winner, Anzelle will be taken to IMEX in Frankfurt in May to represent Africa in the global Future Leaders Forum.

Its a great opportunity for me, Anzelle said. Im

On Thursday, 5 March, 40 cyclists will arrive at The Table Bay at the Victoria& Alfred Waterfront, having completed a gruelling 1 749 kilometre ride from Sun Internationals Sun City resort in South Africas North West Province.

The cyclists, part of the 13th Annual Sun City to The Table Bay Charity Cycle Tour, will hand over R150 000 to deserving local charities while they are in Cape Town. They will also participate in the prestigious Cape Town Cycle Tour before commencingthejourneybacktoSunCity.

In total, the Sun City to The Table Bay Charity Cycle Tour will donate over R500 000 to various charities supported by Sun City Resort, the Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, the Golden Valley Casino in Worcester and the Table Bay Hotel.

The cyclists will not only donate money and products to charity organisations, but will also support the World Bicycle Relief Organisation and promote the sport of cycling by donating bicycles to previously disadvantaged individuals en route.

Over the past 12 years, the cycle tour has donated approximately R6,5 million to various charity organisations. These include amongst others CANSA, The Sun City AIDS Orphanage Housing Project, Sinothando Childrens Home, the DeafInstitute, Moiras House, Grace Centre for abused Woman and Children, Nazareth House and the SaartjieBaardmanCentreforAbusedWomanandChildren.

The wait is over for the 10th edition of Meetings Africa, the continents premier business tourism lekgotla in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom will officially open the show this morning at 10:00 and then do a walkabout to meet exhibitors and delegates on the exhibition floor.

The Media Face Off, a discussion on the business events industry in South Africa and on the rest of the continent, follows at 11:00.

This premier business tourism expo draws a host of top local and international buyers, trendsetters and decision-makers for a supreme showcasing of services, products, facilities and related fields. Meetings Africa 2015 kicked off with a business networking opportunity day and association day yesterday, in conjunction with the InternationalCongress and Convention Association.

A highlight of tomorrow is a local corporate buyer event hosted by the Unique Speakers Bureau.

In alignment with the South Africa National Convention Bureau, the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Joburg Convention Bureau, that is responsible for bringing major events tothe city, has over the past ten years gone from strength to strength, says Johannesburg Mayoral

Committee for Economic Development Member, Ruby Mathang.

Today the bureau is a fully fledged team of professionals dedicated to attracting new business to the city. We are proud to be the home of Africas most advanced financial sector and of the Johannesburg Securities and Bond Exchange, the largest stock exchange on the African continent.

Johannesburg is the centre for a diverse range of local and multinational banking, financial and industrial companies because of our top rate economic and social infrastructure. The city is proud to host the 10th Meetings Africa, the premier business tourism expo that brings a big boost to the city and provides a global stage for our own local value chain.

Johannesburg has a reputation for successfully hosting major global events. The line-up ofbusiness events to be hosted in the city in the next 18 months include the Breakbulk Africa 2015, CIDESCO World Congress from 20 to 25 May, the Summit on Healthy Ageing from 30 July to 2 August, the Johannesburg International Motor Show from 14 to 25 October and the 2016 Africa & Middle East Conference of Junior Chamber International from 4 to 6 May 2016.

The brightest future minds gather at Meetings Africa

Bright young thingsAnzelle is Africas IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leader

Cyclists to hand over R150 000 to local charities after 1 749km ride from sun City

The wait is over

Anzelle Vorstman (left), winner of the International University Challenge, was congratulated by Dale Hudson, Director of the IMEX Group.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom will meet Meetings Africa exhibitors and delegates this morning.

incredibly excited and grateful for this honour and this chance to represent my country and my professional passion at a global forum.

Anzelle is presently in her fourth year at North-West University, completing her BComm (Honours) in Tourism Management.

This industry is my passion. There is a great future for young people in tourism in general, and in business events in particular. It really is fantastic to be recognised in this way.

The IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum formed part of BOND Day at Meetings Africa yesterday with an agenda that included presentations by industry experts, professionals and public sector officials.

It was a day of extensive networking, idea-sharing and mentoring that gave every young delegate a priceless opportunity to learn from some of the sharpest minds in the business events sector today, said Anzelle.

Continuing with the theme of networking, a selected group of expert meetings industry professionals was on hand to offer their time for informal career and professional development conversations.

Each expert represented one industry specialty giving the future leaders an opportunity to meet with their chosen professionals. Also available for the Future Leaders to interact with was Evelyn Holtzhausen, a former journalist in South Africa,the UK and Scandinavia, a former editor and one of South Africas leading reputational risk specialists.

For more information go to www.meetingsafrica.co.za and follow SA_NCB on Twitter.


The eight speakers at the Green Events Forum at Meetings Africa shared one belief - the meetings industry must become greener, or clients will move to organisations that share their values about sustainability.

Thebenefit isunlikely toberestrictedto justoneevent. Businesses play a transformative role in the way society evolves, says Michele Caldera of Blue Moon Communications.

Speaking at the forum, Caldera outlined a programme that saw Blue Moon Communications reduce its audited carbon footprint by 60 percent.

A number of employees became so passionate about the programme that they introduced recycling at home, some of them going as far as paying for it. Today, failing to reduce waste is regarded as a mortal sin in the company.

Having employees who are aware of the environment is one matter, but a scarcity of guidelines can make hosting an environmentally responsible event daunting. Yet if you know where to look, resources and organisations to partner withcanmakethejobmucheasier.

One organisation that makes carbon offsetting easy is Plant for the Planet (www.plantfortheplanet.org). Cameron Alcock, South Africas 12-year old ambassador for Plant for the Planet, says one tree will bind 10 kg of CO2 per year.

Plant for the Planet makes it easy to engage guests in the process. Guests can receive a tree voucher which they use to go on line, virtually plant a tree and then learn where their specific tree will be planted.

A benefit of hosting an environmentally responsible event is that is makes guests feel good. Partnering with the Food Bank can erase all feelings of guilt. While the events industry does not generate enough food to feed the 11 million South Africans who go hungry, the Food Banks virtual food bank will allow organisations on its database to collect food directly from the event organisers.

The virtual food bank is currently being piloted in Polokwane and signs are that it will be very successful.

Reducing the carbon footprint and impact of an event can have unintended benefits. Flowers as centrepieces can be replaced by items made by local craftspeople, creating jobsintheprocess.Energysavingtechnologyis kinder to the planet and can improve reliability. Use technology such as LED lights, a tablet instead of laptop and a camping fridge instead of an ordinary one, and you can use solar energy as power source for an exhibition stand. This brings freedom from an unreliable power grid.

South Africas paper producing forests are certified as sustainable, but the paper manufacturing process still needs 342 litres of

water to make one kilogram of paper.

Andrej Vladar of Lumi Technologies says goingpaperless offers more than a way out. It simplifies the administration of the event and introduces new benefits. Using smartphone apps before and after the event raises awareness. Tracking uptake of the apps makes response to the conference measurable. And the technology is reusable not justrecyclable,makingitparticularlygoodfortheenvironment.

Hosting an environmentally responsible event may include using a venue known for its eco credentials, while certification as environmentally responsible is set to become a requirement. Look out for more about these topics tomorrow.

invitation: Meetings Africa Press Conference: Calabar iCC, nigeriaTuesday 24 February 2015, 14:20 14:40, Hosted Buyers Lounge, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Set to open in the Second Quarter of 2015, the Calabar International Convention Centre [Calabar ICC] is not only the first dedicated convention centre in Nigeria and indeed West Africa, but also the only new conference centre in Africa opening this year.

Nigerias entry, with Calabar ICC, into the international business events industry is significant, not only becauseofthecountryslargepopulation,butalsoforitsprojectedcontinuouseconomicgrowth.

Paul DArcy, CEO of Calabar ICC and Ben Asoro, Director of Marketing and Sales Calabar ICC will begin the session with presentations and discuss the topic: What does Nigerias entry with Calabar ICC mean to Africas meetings industry?

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) achieved its first universal accessibility audit, with an outstanding result of 83 percent for mobility accessibility from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

We are committed to providing accessibility for all our clients and patrons, especially those who have special requirements. We were delighted with our result of level 3 which is the highest classification that one can obtain, says Chief Executive Officer, Julie-May Ellingson.

For the past five years the CTICC has been assessed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and has maintained its 5-star rating. Due to a recent government mandate, all hospitality institutions were assessed for their universal accessibility on mobility this was the first time that CTICC was evaluated and was able to achieve remarkable results.

The audit findings stated that the CTICC provided excellent mobility facilities. This affirms CTICCs ethos of creating exceptional experiences, through our ability to ensure the safety, comfort and accessibility for our clients and patrons, says General Manager: Operations and Food and Beverage, Aage Hansen.

The CTICC was designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that all feel welcome. The building has features that live up to universal accessibility standards and

the South African national building regulations standards.

The world-class facilities at the centre offers full wheel-chair access, designated drop-off points and parking bays for people with disabilities, toilets have been specially designed for the physically challenged, elevators with Braille inscriptions and tables and chairs which adhere to universal accessibility requirements.

The width of all external and internal doors has been designed to accommodate wheelchair access and lift buttons are placed to allow easy access by those in wheelchairs. Auditorium 1 is also equipped with designated seating sections for wheelchair occupants.

The CTICC has been the venue of choice for a diverse group of meetings and events since its inception. On 14 February 2014, the centre hosted the Disability Employment Summit, which aimed to raise awareness, especially among business, government and other sectors of society, on the challenges and opportunities of employing people with disabilities.

Events hosted previously include the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability in 2008 which had 800 delegates and the Disability Workshop Development Enterprise International Small Business Conference in 2009 which was attended by 200 delegates.

How green is my conference?

CTiCC ensures accessibility for all

Cameron Alcock, South Africas 12-year old ambassador for Plant for the Planet, says one tree will bind 10 kg of CO2 per year.


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The Sandton Convention Centre, in collaboration with Junior Chamber International South Africa and the City of Johannesburg, has won a bid to host the Africa & Middle East Conference of Junior Chamber International in 2016, a prominent global platform for young business leaders. This is the second time since the inception of the conference in 2005 that Johannesburg is the host city the only city to have been appointed to host the event more than once to date.

Its a real feather in the cap of the city and the SCC, says Dr Mati Nyazema, executive director of Sandton Convention Centre. Its an indication of the position that we hold as a world-class city with world-class facilities. The city is also easily accessible from anywhere in the world and the Convention Centre is conveniently located in Sandton, South Africas business hub, with easy access to the Gautrain.

A unique aspect of the bidding process was the speed with which the decision was made. Yoshni Singh, international sales manager for Sandton Convention Centre, said the request for bids was received in mid-April and within a month the bid had been awarded.

The Africa & Middle East Conference of Junior Chamber International will take place from 4 to 6 May 2016, with 1 000 delegates. The conference will include breakaway rooms, cocktail events, and other special events.

Linda Ben, national president of JCI South Africa,

says presenting Johannesburg as the host city made logistical sense for the local chapter as the city is the most active region of JCI in the country. Added to that, all our bidding partners wholeheartedly came on board and fully supported the bid throughout the entire process, making it that much easier to present the winning bid.

Nyazema said: The Sandton Convention Centres ideal location in the Sandton business hub, adjacent to a wide range of accommodation,shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment, is likely to have been a factor in the decision-making. As of course is the venues extensive facilities and excellent track record in hosting top global events.

The Sandton Convention Centre has an impressive line-up of international events that it has and is hosting, which include Power Africa from 2009 to 2015, Africa Energy Indaba from 2010 to 2015, Totally Concrete from 2013 to 2015, Africities in 2015, CIDESCO World of Beauty and Spa Therapy in 2015, the phenomenally successful Days of the Dinosaurs in 2014, the World Orchid Conference and Show in 2014 and many others. More than 60 per cent of the convention centres bookings are repeat business, indicating a strong degree of satisfaction with our overall offering, Nyazema said..

As Africas largest purpose-built convention and exhibition centre, the Sandton Convention Centre is looking forward to pulling out all the stops to ensure the Africa and Middle East JCI conference in 2016 will be the best one ever, Nyazema said.

sCC wins bid for global JCi conference

did you know tips You can Bookmark the sessions you want to

attend and add them to your own agenda for Meetings Africa

You can download the App from the Androids playstore or Apple App store, search for Meetings Africa

You can follow other attendees and interact with them in the App

You can rate and review the exhibitors through the App

You can interact with the exhibitors directly on their profiles activity feed

You can upload your photos which will appear on your timeline and the activity feed

You can submit your question(s) to the sessions speakers through the App

You can view the Event App overview video the by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/1zbQJTo

You stand a chance to win a prize for the being selected the most socially engaging user of the Meetings Africa App. Terms and conditions apply.

How to use the Meetings Africa App The Meetings Africa App is based on a world class mobile event platform.


Tsogo Suns Palazzo hotel has once again been voted Best Luxury Casino Hotel on the African continent in the coveted World Luxury Hotel Awards. This is the fifth consecutive win for the Palazzo, which was first recognised in 2010. Five years later, the Palazzo remains a force to be reckoned with in the luxury hotel sector in South Africa and across Africa.

Held annually, the World Luxury Hotel Awards is an exclusive tribute given to exceptional luxury hotels worldwide. Founded in 2007, the World Luxury Hotel Awards is recognised as the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide a celebration of ultimate achievement in service excellence that recognises and rewards hotels that have excelled beyond the normal standards of quality and service. The winners are selected from votes cast by guests, tour operators and independent travel consultants globally. For the winners, these awards signify excellence, while for travellers they provide assurance of top class quality and exceptional experiences.

The Palazzo has, in the 14 years since it opened, found a special place in the hearts of the people who come to enjoy its luxurious rooms,which range from the 600m2 penthouse to the luxurious executive, deluxe and superior rooms, its spectacular setting with a distant view of

the Magaliesberg mountains, its ideal location within the Montecasino precinct and burgeoning Fourways, and its welcoming and personalised service. With much to offer the business and leisure traveller, and the uniquely personalised service to which every one of the 180 staff are committed to delivering, the Palazzo is an authentic hotel in every possible way.

All 246 rooms of the Palazzo underwent a refurbishment recently ensuring that the hotels high standard of refined elegance and opulence that have been the hallmarks of the property since it opened in November 2000 is maintained. The refurbishment includes an addition of a new function venue in the garden alongside the colonnade leading through to the Montecasino complex. This venue, aptly named Rosa, ensures that The Palazzo can accommodate the demand for additional restaurant and function space.

The Palazzo is perfectly located in the upmarket suburb of Fourways, Johannesburg, a mere 15-minute drive from Sandton, South Africas business hub, 40-minute drive from O.R Tambo International Airport and 20-minute drive from Lanseria Airport.

Palazzo still best in Africa

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Association conferences Corporate events Incentive trips

ICCA President Nina Freysen-Pretorius recently received the mayor of Ethekwinis excellence award for the promotion of tourism.

Mayor James Nxumalos annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that have done extraordinary things for their neighbourhoods and the city of Durban.

Freysen-Pretorius, who matriculated at Horskool Durban North and studied public relations at the Durban University of Technology, is the chief

executive officer of The Conference Company, which specialises in arranging conferences for local and international associations. The Conference Company, founded in 1997, also has offices in Cape Town and Durban.

I am hugely honoured to receive this mayors award and very proud to be recognised by the city in which I live and work, says Freysen-Pretorius. Bybringingmajoreventstoourcityandexposingdelegates to its incredibly diverse tourist offering, we contribute to the citys economy and the prosperity of its people.

Freysen-Pretorius serves on the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and is a former board member of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

She is a former chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, as well as a former national chairperson of the association.

Highlights of her career include being projectmanager for the COP17 climate change conference held in Durban in 2011, professional conference organiser for the International Confederation of Midwives in the same year and being the Zambian Ministry ofTourisms projectmanager for the UNWorld Tourism Organisations world congress at the Victoria Falls in 2013.

Mayors award for nina

Last-minute preparations for this mornings opening of Meetings Africa 2015 were still being done late yesterday hats off to the South Africa National Convention Bureau.


Green Tip # 1 Embrace eco-procurement Buy locally-produced materials for your stand.

Green Tip # 2 Reduce your waste to landfill by aiming to reduce, re-use and recycle as many products or materials from your stand as you can.

Green Tip # 3 Reduce your use of energy by choosing energy-efficient technology for your stand, such as LED lighting or energy-efficient plasma screens. Also consider switching off your power to the stand at night.

Green Tip # 4 Use public transport to get around, where possible. Encourage your staff to use the Gautrain, buses or a car pool when travelling to and from the show each day.

Green tips from the Event Greening ForumHelp us to ensure that Meetings Africa remains the greenest show in South Africa.

Whether youre stalking the selfie squad, braggie brigade or those who simply have to hashtag their way to social media heaven, visual user-generated content like photos and videos has become a powerful way to showcase destinations and tourism products and increase their brand awareness.

Youve probably at one time or another been guilty of the odd braggie or selfie to show off your glamorous life and make your friends jealous.You know the type: Look at me. I can see a herd of elephant from the verandah of my luxury safari villa. Bet you wish you were here or most likely Bet you wish you were me. Its such a chore to work in travel, isnt it?

Unsurprisingly, and understanding the draw and real-time influence visitor content such as images and reviews can have on the image of a destination or product, travel brands have jumped on to theselfie, braggie and hashtag bandwagons, throwing incentives at guests who deign to tag their lodge or destination on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms.

Marketers leveraging this trend are fuelled by the belief that personal recommendations and opinions from family, friends, peers and even locals remain among the most important drivers of destination or tourism product selection. And as most of us already know, they are incredibly powerful.

One in particular has in fact gone as far as creating a Selfie in Paris package. The Mandarin Oriental package offers guests luxurious accommodation and the chance to share their best selfies in the City of Lights. In addition to a stay at the luxury hotel, guests are given the use of a private car and driver forthreehoursforapersonalisedjourneythroughParis, complimentary in-car and in-room WiFi and a list of insider tips on some of the best Parisian photographic locations at which to take the perfect selfie.

Last year, the Hilton Hotels Group offered the chance of winning a two-night stay at any of its hotels worldwide if fans shared an image from their own travels tagged #HiltonStory on their social networks. And destinations have cottoned on to it too.

Sticking to its reputation for going big, Visit Dallas has provided its visitors and locals with an opportunity to showcase the destination on its behalf. The Destination Marketing Organisation has positioned giant B and G letters at strategic points across the city inviting people to step in and be the I. The #dallasbig hashtag is strategically placed to encourage them to share their image with their social media networks.

VisitDenmark similarly has identified 50 points of interest, or as they term it shareable locations across the country, providing signposts with specific hashtags that travellers can use to share their photographs and feel that they are contributing to sharing what the destination has to offer. A clever tactic, since it is this sense of

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) expanded its global membership with over 45 percent of the membership now located in 84 countries outside of the US mainland.

This is according to Rhonda Brewer, President 2015 of the SITE International Board of Directors.

2014 was an incredible year for SITE. Under the leadership of president Paul Miller we also accomplished a successful, major re-branding,grew and strengthened our strategic partners, introduced a new sponsorship prospectus and developed a new education curriculum.

Serving as SITE president 2015, Im very much looking forward to continuing all the great work started by my predecessors. Our timing could not be better as incentive travel is on the move!

Strategic priorities for 2015 include -

Strengthening the value proposition formembers and building SITEs brand and reach beyond the incentive travel industry

Expandingdeliveryofeducationandcreatingacertification programme focused on incentive design and experience management

Developing market-specific regional plansand a global chapter strategy to strengthen communications and value delivery across all chapters and regions

Strengtheningallianceswithstrategicpartners,other industry associations and academic institutions

Brewer leads a volunteer board comprised of 15 members from the USA, Mexico, UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, South Africa, China and India that bring an unparalleled level of experience and ingenuity to the incentive travel industry. The boards focus this year will be to continue to implement the associations Painted Picture and also add a human element or heartbeat to SITE by raising awareness of issues related to the adverse effects of international travel.

Brewer, Vice President of Sales, Maritz Travel Company, helps to lead the companys global

sharing and contributing that fuels social media engagement.

And of course, not to be outdone by overseas counterparts, Cape Town for its part has erected giant yellow frames around the city that perfectly frame Table Mountain from well-known and unusual views, including the V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill, Eden on the Bay in Blouberg, Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha, Cape Town Station and Heritage Square in the City Bowl.

These structures provide visitors with an opportunity to smoast (yet another social mediaism short for social media boasting) about their perfect holiday, make their pals back home green with envy and, as a side, show off the most beautiful, most iconic views of the city.

The message is clear. It is no longer up to the destination marketer or marketing manager of tourism experiences to manage the reputation of their destination or product. In the age of social media, Joe Public has usurped that role and when you get it right, they become your brand ambassadors and dynamically shape how their networks connect with and view your brand.

Todays tourism marketers are in the inspiration business. They have to make it as attractive and easy as possible for visitors and locals to share their brand. They have to identify those perfect photo opportunities and provide the optimal environment to make it easy for travellers to share their experiences and, yes, that means free WiFi.

But thats not all. They have to enhance that experience much like our friends at the Mandarin Oriental have and then they have to join in theconversation and engage with those who have taken time to engage with them. What are you waiting for? #getsharing

Natalia Rosa

strategic planning and sales efforts. With more than 24 years of travel operations experience, BrewerjoinedMaritzin1990asatravelcoordinatorand has served in several higher-level positions including project manager, vice president ofoperations, vice president of business development and industry relations, vice president of strategy, communications and administration and vice president of channel management and operations in the business solution group.

A member of the SITE Board for four years, Brewer led the educational efforts for 2013 and sponsorship refresh in 2014. She also managed the SITE Nite sponsorship in 2010 and 2011, led sponsorship for the SITE Classic in 2011 and 2012 and participated on the education committee for the SITE international conference in 2011. She holds a bachelors degree from Southwest Missouri State University.

Are you tapping in to the braggie brigade?

siTe president shares key priorities for 2015

Incentive travel is on the move! SITE President Rhonda Brewer

Hilton Worldwide has announced that its pioneering digital check-in and room selection technology is now live across more than 4 100 hotels spanning 11 brands worldwide. This includes 53 hotels in the Middle East and Africa region. A first for the hospitality industry, the scale of the digital roll-out marks the largest of its kind to date across the sector.

Through the Hilton HHonors accounts, guests are able to check-in and choose their exact room from digital floor plans, or lists, on desktop, tablet and mobile devices. They can also further customise their stay by requesting upgrades or making special requests with the simple click of a button.

Geraldine Calpin, global head of digital at Hilton Worldwide, said: Digital check-in and room selection puts our guests in the driving seat and gives them unprecedented choice and control across their entire stay. Never before have guests been able to check-in, select their room from a digital floor plan and customise their room ready for arrival. We are truly revolutionising the industry andthis is just thetipof the icebergfordigitalatHilton Worldwide.

To coincide with the global roll-out, Hilton Worldwide has also launched an update to its Hilton HHonors iOS app, which will provide a stunning new interface, as well as improved functionality.

Simon Vincent, executive vice-president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa for Hilton Worldwide, said: As a business, we have always prided ourselves on leading the pack we were the first to put televisions in hotel rooms and now we are the first to let you choose your room right down to the exact room number. With a 95-year history of delivering industry-transforming offerings, Hilton Worldwide will continue to enrich

theguest experienceonamajor scale acrossourbrands and regions. Hot off the tails of the US launch, we look forward to our guests across the region benefiting from the most personalised digital service yet.

Earlier, Hilton Worldwide announced that mobile key technology, which gives guests the ability to unlock their hotel room doors with their smartphone and to go straight to their rooms upon arrival, will be available in the US across four of its brands in 2015 Hilton Hotels & Resort, Canopy by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotel & Resorts. By the end of 2016, this technologywillbeavailableacrossthemajorityofrooms worldwide.

This latest announcement forms part of a wider digital strategy which has seen Hilton Worldwide launch bookable websites in 22 different languages along with enhanced customer service via social media. For example @HiltonSuggests helps travellers on Twitter explore a destination by providing insider tips from restaurants and attractions, to hotels via a team of local contributors from across Hilton Worldwides global network.

To experience the new digital check-in and room selection functionality, simply download the Hilton HHonorsapphereandjointhefreeHiltonHHonorsguest-loyalty programme. Hilton HHonors members that qualify for a free upgrade will also be able to request this via the new Hilton HHonors app inadvanceoftheirarrival,subjecttoavailability.

The industry-leading loyalty-programme offers more than 41 million members more ways to earn and redeem points, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 4 200 hotels in 93 countries and territories.

Hilton Worldwide scales new digital heights


1. dont Go Crazy with F&B Fads

Walk in the attendees shoeswith a plate in one hand and a glass in the other. This means not offering food thats difficult to eat without making amess,orjustdifficulttoeat,period,evenifitisthelatest gustatory craze. One example: Those hard-chocolate-coated deserts stuffed with delicious creamy delights, topped with swirls of various exotic syrups. They look gorgeous, but how the heck do you eat them? This editor has seen an entire table abandon these delectables after trying to attack them with butter knives and forks and being unable to break through that hard shell. What a waste of the event organizers money and the venues food, not to mention a frustration to attendees.

2. Play it straight With Your Venue

Starting with the site selection and contract negotiation stages, share your objectives forthe conference and your budget with everyone involved. The venue folks may have some great ideas theyve seen other groups use at low or no cost. They may have relationships with local suppliers they can use to help shave costs. The catering manager and the chef will be particularly useful in coming up with ideas that will work within your budget, so talk with them early on. Be honest about your budget, and dont limit yourself to whats on the preset menus.

3. More interactive Formats Also Mean Less AV

Interactive sessions not only are good for learning and engagementthey also can help save costs. A lecture requires a lot more audiovisual support than a roundtable discussion session, for example.

4. Less Labour, Lower Cost

Especially when it comes to food and beverage, an easy way to cut costs is to choose less labour-intensive itemsthink whole fruit instead of sliced, for example. It adds up.

5. How Close is the Venue to the Airport?

After all, even if youre not providing a shuttle service for attendees, you still will be shuttling your staff, speakers, entertainment, and everything else youre bringing in for the event. If your venue is an hour from the airport, those constantly moving shuttles are going to cost you.

6. use Ambient entertainment

Choose sites and venues that have some built-in attractions so attendees can entertain themselves, saving you the cost of providing entertainment.

If your event is downtown, encourage attendees take advantage of malls, theatres, museums, and other local attractions and you can avoid the cost of cocktail receptions and entertainment.

7. use Local Transportation

Copeland told of one recent event in Washington, D.C., where the organizers handed out passes for the Metro instead of chartering buses to transport 500 people. Yes, attendees had to walk a block to the Metro station, but they got to go where they wanted to go at a fraction of the cost to the event organizers.

8. Profit from Your non-profit status

Most non-profits go into contract negotiations thinking that theyll be treated the same as any other type of organization. It can pay to ask the venue what benefits it can offer specifically to your organization because it is a non-profit. Copeland said that he has been able to get lower rates at almost every venue he has contracted with as a representative of a non-profit.

9. How Much is negotiable?

Just because somethings in the initial contract doesnt mean it isnt negotiable. The venue may include charges for Wi-Fi connections, parking, and meeting rooms, but all of these, and more, may actually be negotiable. It never hurts to askearly and often. For example, if the in-house AV team will be handling all your AV needs, you may be able to use that to negotiate down Wi-Fi fees. Know your total expected spend, based on history, and communicate it up front so the hotel can see where it will make up for any concessions.

10. Prep Your Volunteers to Be Marketers and Managers, not Just extra Bodies

The more training you provide to volunteers ahead of time, the more they will be able to do for you. Whether you contact the local universitys hospitality program to find volunteers, or put out a call to your organizations members, create and distributejobdescriptions,timelineseverythingyou would provide a paid employee. Really invest in your volunteers and they will invest in you, said Copeland. If you empower them, they can lead your event. And save you quite a bit on staffing, time, and resources as they market your meeting through their social networkslive and online. In return, thank them for their work with reduced or free registration.

Source: MEETINGSNET

Cape Towns World Design Capital status was won based on the citys emerging use of design-led thinking but with the 2014 title year now behind it, Cape Town is showing her true colours with dozensofprojects,eventsandexperiencesstill inthe making.

Cape Town has always been a creative city, but among its citizens there has been a fundamental shift from thinking to doing. Creativity has spilled over from the design studio into the streets.

Cape Town Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Enver Duminy, believes there is a strong legacy behind World Design Capital.

The journey to redesign Cape Town continuesin 2015 and beyond, as we overcome our past challenges to create a new city landscape that every citizen can be proud of. Our hope is that every visitor can experience this transformation first hand during their stay, never forgetting it as they leave our shores to return home.

The design experience of Cape Town is a quintessential facet to any visit. From exploring the abundant street art and clever recycle-wares to the bespoke and interesting art, furniture, street art, fashion, clothing, pop-up bars and restaurants design is key to unlocking the Mother City - edgy, inventive, self-searching - and often - beautifully unexpected.

City of Cape Towns Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Garreth Bloor says World Design Capital has been an instrument for change locally, opening up opportunities in the design sector for many talented and creative young people.

More importantly, also encouraging those outside the traditional design arena to use design to transform their lives. It has ignited a process whereby we look to new innovative ways of doing things, improving service delivery and using that creativity to transform the lives of Capetonians. This is the real legacy of World Design Capital - that we now encourage innovative solutions that will transform the daily lives of those living in Cape Town.

design in action

Cape Towns annual events calendar is now crammed with creative events some of which launched in the World Design Capital year.

Design Indaba continues to draw global sway with its annual conference and expo of design from

the African continent. Last year, Guild entered the playing field - bringing absorbing international work to Cape Town, whilst also showcasing local work and connecting creatives globally. The citys annual Open Design adds great energy and creativity to the mix, whilst other events celebrate public art (Infecting the City), multimedia, paint and sculpture (Cape Town Art Fair) and the citys ever-expanding gallery and fringe scene (First Thursdays and Thursday Late - a monthly evening event in the City Centre and Woodstock).

Key projects of the World Design Capital withlasting tourism legacy include The Watershed in the V&A Waterfront a warehouse of carefully curated South African designed and manufactured wares. The Watershed will open its Workshop 17 co-working/innovation hub in April 2015. Another legacyproject is theLangaTownshipArtsGalleryTour an art tour that takes visitors through the homes of talented residents in the culturally historic Langa township.

A real game-changer for Cape Town will be the 2016 completion of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The extraordinary architecture by Thomas Heatherwick will reimagine the citys waterfront area, connecting it to the central city through a cultural precinct. Zeitzs collection, under the curatorship of Mark Coetzee, will be definitive in telling the contemporary art story for the African continent.

From the everyday unexpected discoveries to the extraordinary cultural adventures that are unfolding, tune in to Cape Towns ongoing design evolution.

Explore Cape Town Tourisms round-up of design destinations

www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/inspiring-design-spaces-to-visit-in-cape-town

Check in with these apps and tours to see the city through cultural and design eyes

http://mapmyway.co.za/placecategory/livedesigntours/

http://coffeebeansroutes.com/category/cape-town-tours/

https://voicemap.me/walk/cape-town/my-design-district

Visit www.capetown.travel.

10 Ways to save costs on association meetings

Cape Towns design evolution goes beyond World design Capital title year

The Watershed in the V&A Waterfront - continuing the legacy of World Design Capitol 2014.


For more than 92 years we have welcomed the world. Today, Hilton Worldwide has fi ve hotels in Southern Africa, each o ering consistently high standards in hospitality for business travelers and leisure quests alike.

To fi nd out more visit hiltonworldwide.com

Hilton Cape Town City Centre Hilton Sandton Hilton Durban Hilton Windhoek Conrad Pezula

CHOOSE HILTON WORLDWIDE FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Face-to-face still critical

Senior leaders now know what needs to be communicated in meetings and exactly why these meetings are important. They have dissected different platforms including virtual meetings, teleconferences and WebEx and discovered they cannot replace the benefits of a face-to-face meeting. In todays multitasking work world, it is important to create a more focused environment with fewer distractions.

In the hyper-connected world we live in, business professionals, CEOs, meeting professionals and others are starting to place a much higher value on the power of human connection and the impact that meeting face-to-face brings to the table. A study conducted by IMEX Group in partnership with the Meetology Group found that on average, face-to-face meetings generate 30 percent more ideas than their virtual counterparts. In 2015, we anticipate seeing an even higher value placed on networking in-person and the strong impact it can haveonreachingbusinessobjectives.

engaging audiences inside and outside events

We have seen a shift toward considering the complete attendee experience when planning events and meetings. As an example, we know more and more travellers are looking to adopt or continue healthy habits while on the road. Professionals can no longer just focus on thelogistics of an event, but instead, have to think holistically about the attendees to ensure they are getting the most out of the experience.

The 24/7 work environment is leading the trend to do more with less time. Content is presented in shorter sessions, and more audience engagement tools are being used. It is important to be able to get the attendee to be in the moment and enthused to be there. The use of images will continue to be seen, and the use of shorter video will be on the rise. Attendees are seeking to be actively engaged versus being passive listeners. Facilitation of discussion and participation through room setups is being seen to encourage engagement.

We also anticipate a growing recognition of the importance of many small meetings. In an industry used to planning meetings at a mass scale, this trend requires us to shift our thinking and evolve what we are offering. In order to advance our relationships with customers, we need to understand that meeting professionals need to be successful, no matter the scale of their event. For most small meetings this means maximising efficiency and streamlining the customer experience

Creating special events, ones that the attendee could not do on their own, are being sought-after to create distinctive experiences. The experience is carried from start to end to help keep the event

South Africa is leading the world in many areas of its travel and tourism development and President Zumas commitment to reform visa regulations should enable the country to maximise the industrys potential for economic growth and social advancement, said David Scowsill, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, during a trip to the country last week.

Travel and tourism contributes nearly 10percent of GDP and over 1,4 million jobs to the SouthAfrican economy, making a bigger employer than banking, mining and the telecommunications. The industry also fosters national unity, pride and identity and has played a fundamental role in social advancement over the last two decades.

In his State of the Nation address on 12 February 2015, President Jacob Zuma committed to prioritise the review of visa regulations to strike a balance between national security and growth in tourism, following changes implemented last year which were having a detrimental impact on the countrys travel and tourism industry.

Scowsill said: For many years, South Africa has had a near unrivalled commitment to the development of its travel and tourism industry, with the industry represented at the highest levels of government and with policies encouraging long-term, sustainable growth that is socially-inclusive

and addresses social economic development challenges at the same time.

Growth doesnt happen by itself and South Africa has done so much right in recognising our industrys role in providing the environment for social and economic advancement. President Zumas swift commitment to review recent changes to visa regulations is yet another example of how the country acts decisively to maximise the economic and social potential of our industry. The private sector has spoken loudly in encouraging this review as these were the companies experiencing the detrimental impacts to the immediate changes that were imposed. We stand in full support of this review.

According to WTTC forecasts, travel & tourism in SouthAfrica isduetoaddalmost350000 jobs inthe next ten years. This seems a long way off, but it is vital that government and the private sector act now to ensure that the policies are in place to create proactive and careful talent management in our industry. Our research shows that too many countries in the world are not implementing the right policies, programmes and partnerships to generate the appropriate skills and knowledge to support future growth. South Africa has a fantastic opportunity to be a world leader in one of the worlds great industries.

alive through the year. This helps the attendee to remember the event and be excited to come back next year. Local elements are tied into the event to create a sense of place for the attendee. Offerings of farm-to-table produce, regional cuisine and engagement in local volunteer opportunities and outside activities are seen.

Technology opportunities

While face-to-face meetings remain a critical component to moving businesses forward, the growth of virtual and hybrid meetings will continue to adapt, creating more opportunities for those who cannot travel due to limited time or money to participate in meetings. Mobile technology and social media platforms will continue to rank high among the growing resources for planners and suppliers to both conduct and market meetings more successfully.

The embracement of technology will continue to be seen in 2015 with more items being done digitally. Less printed material will be used, further pushing the industry forward into a paperless trend. Websites, apps and social media will continue to be used to push information out to attendees. These technological platforms offer the opportunity for rich analytic data to be compiled, which will help make business decisions to improve customer interaction.

Social media, mobile technology and other tools have brought a new level of personalisation to peoples lives, and attendees demand the same frommeetingsandevents.Theydonotwant justto attend meetings; they want to be part of an experience.

In the year ahead, the industry will see continued growth in meeting personalisation and the integration of mobile technology.

sustainability becomes critical

As we begin to plan for 2015, a trend that is truly becoming a pillar in the meetings industry is the focus on sustainability and CSR. Client requests prove that programmes addressing energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and thesupplychainarenolongerjustapreference,buta requirement when selecting meeting locations.

Sustainability efforts continue to be a key component in the meetings and conventions industry as planners and show organisers realise the environmental impact their events have on the local community. They have come to expect a certain level of environmental consciousness from their venues and assistance in implementing greener practices to reduce waste and energy.

Source: Bizcommunity

Conferencing trends in 2015

WTTC celebrates south Africa tourism potential and commends promised visa laws review

Meeting professionals are starting to place a much higher value on the power of human connection and the impact that meeting face-to-face brings to the table.


Convention Bureau

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) has announced the launch of a new interactive website. The new website www.saaci.org, in conjunction with YourMembership,will go live on 15 March 2015.

Adriaan Liebetrau, Chief Executive Officer of SAACI says: Launching our new website is one of the biggest milestones for the year and I am sure thatourmembersaregoing toenjoyall thenewfeatures.

YourMembership is regarded as the number one association management software solution in the world with over 30 per cent of all associations in America using this platform. The website is structured in 12 modules with many advanced features. The main module of the new website is the members profile - each company will have its own dedicated profile with its representative profiles linked to the company profile.

YourMembership is an American owned company and powered by One Zone in South Africa.

The website will serve as a fully integrated membership and financial management system as it is able to interface with Pastel online software and a website with log in functions to get access to the associations knowledge base.

Liebetrau says: Our partnership with YourMembership reaffirms our commitment to our members and the industry at large, offering a one stop solution that will not only allow us to reach more members across the Southern African region but also assist our members to grow their business through better member to member connectivity. Going live with the new website is phase one. Phase two will focus on interfacing pastel online,

OneofthekeystrategicobjectivesofMeetingsAfricaistocreateaplatformtodobusiness.Thepartnershipwith The Unique Speaker Bureaus corporate buyers programme has made a new exciting turn in the form of the inaugural VIP local corporate B2B speed marketing event. This platform will assist exhibitors to do more business with 50 exhibitors having the opportunity to meet 50 of the top regional corporate companies. The event takes place today and tomorrow in Ballroom 4.

Tomorrow The Unique Speakers Bureau will host the corporate buyers showcase. This is the second time the event is being hosted at Meetings Africa following phenomenal feedback from event planners last year.

This showcase brings together over 40 professional speakers including international and local speakers and other leading providers to the conferencing industry including venues, travel and destinations throughout Southern Africa. If you are in the business of planning corporate events and meetings, this show is a must attend!

For more information or any queries contact Tendai on 011 476 5104 or email [email protected]

our financial software, to the system and phase three will include a number of advanced features. By next year we believe the website will form an integral part of our members day to day business operations.

Over the next few months SAACI will launch numerous additions to the website as members convert and become used to the new way of connecting with each other, he says.

sAACi launches new innovative website

speed marketing at its best - Corporate buyers B2B event

SAACI CEO Adriaan Liebetrau says the associations new website will serve as a fully integrated membership and financial management system.


The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is delighted to host international wellness guru, Dr Deepak Chopra during his second South African tour in next month.

The prestigious tour is presented by Oval International, a registered Private Institute of Higher Education, in partnership with the Durban ICC.

Chopra will inspire and enlighten guests on The Future of Wellbeing through his insightful seminar covering areas such as your physical, emotional, spiritual, career, community, ecological and financial wellbeing.

The aim of his visit to South Africa is to present a roadmap for audiences for higher health and in support of his theories, will offer practical ways to experience higher consciousness, transformation and healing. He will showcase his latest findings in alternative and mainstream medicine in his plight to create understanding and awareness of how the conscience can enhance the holistic wellbeing of human beings.

Durban ICC Marketing, Sales and Events Director,

Mala Dorasamy says: It is an honour for us to partner with Oval International in bringing such a world-renowned luminary to our shores. The Durban ICC has always been on the cutting edge of thought-leadership in South Africa and we are looking forward to the insights which Dr Chopra will impart at this event.

Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to interact with Chopra and address specific topics at the seminar. The programme includes a list of questions that Chopra will address such as: Are we inthemidstofamajorparadigmshiftinscience?,Isthere an ultimate reality? and Does consciousness conceive, govern, construct and become the physical universe?

Chopra is acknowledged by TIME Magazine as one of the top 100 hero icons of the 20th century and Globe In acknowledges him as one of the top most influential spiritual leaders around the world.

He is the author of more than 80 books translated into over 43 languages, including twenty-two New York Times bestsellers in both the fiction and nonfiction categories.

International tourist arrivals reached 1,138 million in 2014, a 4,7 percent increase over the previous year.

This is according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer for 2015.

UNWTO forecasts international tourism to grow by 3 to 4 percent, further contributing to the global economic recovery.

The number of international tourists (overnight visitors) reached 1,138 million in 2014, 51 million more than in 2013. With an increase of 4,7 percent this is the fifth consecutive year of above average growth since the 2009 economic crisis.

Over the past years, tourism has proven to be a surprisingly strong and resilient economic activity and a fundamental contributor to the economic recovery by generating billions of dollars in exportsandcreatingmillionsofjobs,saysUNWTOSecretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

This has been true for destinations all around the world, but particularly for Europe, as the region struggles to consolidate its way out of one of the worst economic periods in its history.

By region, the Americas (+7 percent) and Asia and the Pacific (+5 percent) registered the strongest growth, while Europe (+4 percent), the Middle East (+4 percent) and Africa (+2 percent) grew at a slightly more modest pace. By sub-region, North America (+8 percent) saw the best results, followed by North-East Asia, South Asia, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, Northern Europe and the Caribbean, all increasing by 7 percent.

As in recent years, the growth in international tourism receipts in 2014 is expected to have followed that of arrivals fairly close (the 2014 results for international tourism receipts will be released in April 2015). In 2013, international tourism receipts reached US$ 1,197 billion, US$ 230 billion more than in the pre-crisis year of 2008.

Positive outlook for 2015

For 2015, the UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow between 3 and 4 percent. By region, growth is expected to be stronger in Asia and the Pacific (+4 to +5 percent) and the Americas (+4 to +5 percent), followed by Europe (+3 to +4

percent). Arrivals are expected to increase by +3 to +5 percent in Africa and by +2 to +5 percent in the Middle East.

We expect demand to continue growing in 2015 as the global economic situation improves even though there are still plenty of challenges ahead. On the positive side, oil prices have declined to a level not seen since 2009. This will lower transport costs and boost economic growth by lifting purchasing power and private demand in oil importing economies. Yet, it could also negatively impact some of the oil exporting countries which have emerged as strong tourism source markets, said Rifai.

The positive outlook for 2015 is confirmed by the UNWTO Confidence Index. According to the 300 tourism experts consulted worldwide for the Index, tourism performance is expected to improve in 2015, though expectations are less upbeat than a year ago.

europe consolidates its position as the most visited region in the world

Europe (+4 percent), the most visited region with over half of the worlds international tourists, saw an increase of 22 million arrivals in 2014, reaching a total of 588 million. Thanks to these results, tourism has been a major contributor to the Europeaneconomic recovery. Northern Europe and Southern and Mediterranean Europe led growth (both +7 percent), while results were more modest in Western Europe (+2 percent). Arrivals in Central and Eastern Europe (0 percent) stagnated after three years of strong growth.

International tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific (+5 percent) increased by 13 million to 263 million. The best performance was recorded in North-East Asia and South Asia (both +7 percent). Arrivals in Oceania grew by 6 percent, while growth slowed down in South-East Asia (+2 percent) as compared to previous years.

The Americas was the best performing region in relative terms with growth of 7 percent, welcoming an additional 13 million international tourists and raising the total to 181 million. Growth was driven by North America (+8 percent), where Mexico posted a double-digit increase, and the Caribbean (+7 percent). Arrivals to Central America and South America (both +6 percent) grew at double the rate recorded in 2013 and well above the world average.

International tourism in the Middle East (+4 percent) shows signs of rebound with good results in most destinations. The region attracted an additional 2 million arrivals, bringing the total to 50 million. Africas international tourist numbers grew by an estimated 2 percent, equivalent to an

increase of one million arrivals. The region reached 56 million tourists. While arrivals to North Africa were weak (+1 percent), Sub-Saharan Africa saw international tourist numbers rise by 3 percent despite the Ebola virus disease outbreak in a few West African countries. Data for Africa and the Middle East should be read with caution as it is based on limited and volatile data.

demand from traditional source markets picks up

A pickup in expenditure on international tourism from traditional source markets compensated for the slowdown of the large emerging markets, which had been driving tourism growth in previous years.

The total number of trips abroad from China is estimated to have increased by 11 million to 109 million in 2014. Expenditure was up by 17 percent in the first three quarters of 2014, a strong result but slower than in previous years (40 percent in 2012 and 26 percent in 2013, respectively). China is the worlds largest outbound market since 2012 with a total expenditure of US$ 129 billion in 2013.

Among the other two main emerging markets, the Russian Federation (-6 percent) clearly lost strength in 2014, while Brazil still grew by 2 percent, despite the appreciation of the US dollar against the Brazilian real and slower economic growth. Beyond the top ten, some smaller emerging markets saw expenditure grow substantially, with Saudi Arabia, India, the Philippines and Qatar all reporting increases of 30 percent or over.

A pickup in demand from traditional source markets compensated for the slowdown of the large emerging markets. Expenditure from the United States, the second largest outbound market in the world, grew by 6 percent. Noteworthy is also the rebound of France (+11 percent), Italy (+6 percent) and the United Kingdom (+4 percent).

Useful links -

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

Infographic: International Tourist Arrivals 2014 (per region)

Infographic: International Tourist Arrivals 2014 (growth per region)

Infographic: Why Tourism Matters

UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2014 Edition

international wellness guru deepak Chopra heads to durban

Over one billion tourists travelled abroad in 2014


Century City Conference Centre and Hotel will offer the business events industry a very attractive venue option in Cape Town one of the most sought after meeting destinations in the world.

The Rabie Properties R1 billion development is under construction by Murray and Roberts in the Bridgeways Precinct, Century City and is scheduled to open in February 2016.

The centre will offer versatility with 20 different venues to choose from including four large halls, a ballroom, a spacious open-plan foyer suitable for exhibitions, launches and cocktail parties and twelve meeting rooms.

There is also an 80-seater business lounge available as additional meeting space. The Urban Square is an exciting outdoor entertainment area suitable for a variety of events. The square will provide a safe public space with 24hour security and an opportunity for community socialising and relaxation.

The venue has adopted a flexible approach to events with tailor-made hospitality suitable for 20 to 900 guests. Another draw card is Century City Connect - Century Citys open access fibre optic network offering delegates and guests world-class fibre optic and wireless connectivity. The centre will have a fibre optic backbone running throughout the venue in strategic positions, giving

guests the best possible experience in connectivity.

Conferencedelegatesandotherguestscanenjoythe convenience of a 125-bedroom hotel in close proximity to the conference centre. The trendy hotel will provide comfortable accommodation and a functional, welcoming environment for work and play. Other facilities within a safe walking distance include Virgin Active Health Club, the Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Ratanga Junction Theme Park, a variety of restaurants and food stores and some other hotels.

Century City Conference Centre and Hotel and neighbouring buildings share an overall environmental strategy that encompasses transport, health, energy, water, and waste.

The mixed use development will include offices, showrooms, residential apartments and service retail and a five level parking garage with direct access to the conference centre. The entire development will be set over a super-parking basement, which, together with the structured parking, will provide a total of 1300 bays.

TheprojectisanexampleofNewUrbanplanningand implementation combining residential, commercial and leisure components in a beautifully landscaped setting on the banks of eight kilometres of picturesque waterways and canals.

Registration is open for the second World Congress on Healthy Ageing which will be held in Johannesburg from 30 July to 2 August 2015.

Themed Bridging the Ageing Divide, the congress will be a global forum for internationally renowned experts to address healthy ageing issues with a specific focus on how they apply to the African region.

The first World Congress on Healthy Ageing was held in Malaysia in 2012.

Dr Ryan Fuller, psychogeriatrician and Scientific Chair of the congress, says the event will address all issues related to healthy ageing including managing non-communicable diseases, diet, strategies for healthy ageing and how technology will advance ageing solutions.

Speakers confirmed for the World Congress on Healthy Ageing include Dr Yen Choo, molecular biologist and member of the UK Stem Cell Steering Committee, Prof Suresh Rattan, head of the Laboratory of Cellular Ageing of the Department of Molecular Biology at the Aarhus University in Denmark, Prof Bradley Wilcox, well-known Physician-Investigator in Geriatrics and Prof Melvyn

Freeman, Chief Director for Non-Communicable Diseases at the National Department of Health.

The congress organisers are advised by an international advisory panel of experts.

Fuller says, however, that the congress will not only consist of high-level scientific discussions. A programme of public workshops will be held parallel to the scientific programme with topics such as safeguarding the older person, key health determinants of successful ageing and the importance of sexual health as you age.

People who will benefit from the World Congress on Healthy Ageing include medical and healthcare professionals, academics, caregivers, legislators, community service personnel, city planners and people interested in the science of healthy ageing.

The congress is supported by the City of Johannesburg, Dementia SA, the South African Society of Psychiatrists, Alzheimers South Africa, the Southern African Neurological Rehabilitation Association and the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society.

For more information visit www.wcha2015.com.

Following the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africas Annual General Meeting held on 18 February, the associations new board has been announced.

Board members are:Chairman: Brad Alder, OctanormImmediate Past Chair: Nigel Walker, CompexTreasurer: Jason King, HypenicaVenue Forum: Lindy Cambouris, CTICCVenue Forum: Lorraine Strydom, SCCOrganiser Forum: Andrew Binning, Inkanyesi Event OrganisersOrganiser Forum: Amanda Margison, Synergy Business EventsOrganiser Forum: Carol Weaving, Thebe ReedOrganiser Forum: Leatitia van Straten, Specialised Exhibitions MontgomerySuppliers Forum: Graeme Marshall, IHVTMSuppliers Forum: Doug Rix, DK DesignsWestern Cape Forum: Karen Healey, Resource DesignKZN Forum: Clive Shedlock, Conker ExhibitionsYoung Professionals Forum: Bronwyn Mathias, Seatworks

Chairman Brad Alder said that an exciting year lay ahead and that the new board is ready to tackle head-on the challenges that face the industry.

For more information visit www.exsa.co.za.

Century City Conference Centre and Hotel to open in one year

World Congress on Heathy Ageing in sA this July

2015 eXsA board announced


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Meetings Africa Daily News 24 February2015

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