Meetings Africa 2013 Day 3

MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 opened yester-

day with a strong message from Na-

tional Tourism Minister, Mr Marthinus

van Schalkwyk that there is a great,

untapped potential for the regional business events

industry, and that potential would best be realised

through partnerships and through working together to

make Africa the world’s favourite conferences, meet-

ings, incentives and exhibitions destination.

The Advancing Africa Together theme of Meetings

Africa this year has been given substance, the Minister

said, through a greater contingent of African exhibitors;

in an African Association Day as a special event feature

of Meetings Africa 2013; and in fresh resolve by the sec-

tor to make optimal use of the valuable business plat-

form that Meetings Africa 2013 offers to negotiate, to

partner and to do business.

Global business event buyer numbers (at 350 by

last headcount) have grown by about 70 percent on

last year’s numbers. The business events industry, al-

ready worth millions to the economy, has the potential

to grow that contribution to R2.6 billion by 2017, the

Minister told delegates at the Meetings Africa 2013

Opening Ceremony. Already, under the SANCB’s growth

strategy, a number of events have been secured over

the next few years that will attract more than 126 000

delegates to South Africa.

The Minister congratulated the South African

Convention Bureau on an excellent first year. When

the entity was officially launched at Meetings Africa

last year, he said, it announced a bold and ambitious

growth strategy. Hard work and collaboration had

borne fruit, he said.

SANCB has laid a firm foundation for a bidding

strategy that had already shown results. And the Win

as One strategy that it has taken to the larger industry

has united everyone to a common goal and vision for

the destination.

“This Meetings Africa, that extends that vision and

that strategy, gives all delegates, and the entire regional

industry, a valuable opportunity to push forward in our

quest to make southern Africa the world’s first choice

destination for conferences, events, meetings and in-

centives. It’s a prize that’s waiting to be claimed. And it’s

up to us to go out and get it.”

“LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO ADVANCE AFRICA” MINISTER TELLS DELEGATES AT OPENING CEREMONY

www.theevent.co.zaPlease recycle me

Published by

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

© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)

Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk

02 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 ISSUE 3

EVENTS

BY INVITATION ONLY

HOSTED BUYERS AND MEDIA

OPEN TO ALL

Today’s Top

TipsWatch!Catch the Morning Live Broadcast from Meetings Africa on SABC2 rom 06h00-08h00

Green TipDelegates, organisers, visitors, buyers and exhibitors -- sign the Meetings Africa 2013 Green Pledge: http://www.meetingsafrica.co.za/download/greening/Meetings%20Africa%202013-green%20pledge.pdf

AttendThe CNBC-BRICS Debate from 08h00-10h00 in Boardroom 2/3 – Open to Everyone

Great GiftCheck out the Meetings Africa gift bags. They are made from recycled plastic bottles!

1

2

3

4

NOT TO MISS!

CNBC-BRICS Debate

O8h00 – 10h00, Boardroom 2/3

Registration for Meetings Africa

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

Meetings Africa Exhibition

10h00 – 17h00, Hall 1, SCC

Educational Session

15h00 – 16h00, Hall 1, SCC

Exhibitor Stand Drinks

16h00, Hall 1, SCC

Morning Live Broadcast

16h00 – 08h00 , Hall 1, SCC

Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch

12h00-14h00, Bill Gallagher, SCC

Be There!

© R

eg C

alde

cott


© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)

ISSUE 3 MEETINGS AFRICA 2013 / 03

South African Tourism Board Member, Thebe

Ikalafeng had delegates mesmerised and

transfixed on Monday evening when he de-

livered his keynote address at the Meetings

Africa gala dinner.

He delivered a strong message to all Meetings

Africa 2013 delegates and the sector they represent:

Our continent brims with ideas that inspire the world.

We produce excellence here in Africa, and the time

is ripe – right now – for each of us to take that excel-

lence, take ownership of it and stand up to proclaim

it loudly and proudly to the world.

“We can inspire the world. We do inspire the

world already with our brilliance,” he said.

AFRICA’S TIME IS NOW! Gala Dinner keynote speaker has strong Advancing Africa Together message for delegates

Meetings Africa 2013STAND AWARDS

We can inspire the world. We do inspire the world already with our

brilliance.

“ “

There is a celebration taking hold as this continent

and its people grow in confidence. It’s a celebration

of identity. And it’s a celebration of culture.

The economy of Africa is growing strongly, and

the economies of the various African nations are

growing strongly, too, he said.

“This Meetings Africa gives us all a fantastic plat-

form to unite in our resolve and to bring fresh energy

and passion to our work. Meetings Africa gives us

each a platform to come together and to showcase

our distinctiveness as business offerings, and as con-

tinent united, to the world. For here in Africa we offer

a truly and uniquely unparalleled experience. Now,

we invite the world to come and share it with us.”

NOT TO MISS!

Large Stand TSHWANE CONVENTION BUREAU

Medium StandCAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Small StandPROTEA HOTEL BALALAIKA

Green StandSELBY’S PRODUCTIONS

Thebe Ikalafeng

© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)


EVENTS

BY INVITATION ONLY

HOSTED BUYERS AND MEDIA

OPEN TO ALL

Today’s Top

TipsWatch!Catch the Morning Live Broadcast from Meetings Africa on SABC2 rom 06h00-08h00

Green TipDelegates, organisers, visitors, buyers and exhibitors -- sign the Meetings Africa 2013 Green Pledge: http://www.meetingsafrica.co.za/download/greening/Meetings%20Africa%202013-green%20pledge.pdf

AttendThe CNBC-BRICS Debate from 08h00-10h00 in Boardroom 2/3 – Open to Everyone

Great GiftCheck out the Meetings Africa gift bags. They are made from recycled plastic bottles!

1

2

3

4

NOT TO MISS!

CNBC-BRICS Debate

O8h00 – 10h00, Boardroom 2/3

Registration for Meetings Africa

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

Meetings Africa Exhibition

10h00 – 17h00, Hall 1, SCC

Educational Session

15h00 – 16h00, Hall 1, SCC

Exhibitor Stand Drinks

16h00, Hall 1, SCC

Morning Live Broadcast

16h00 – 08h00 , Hall 1, SCC

Hosted Buyers & Media Lunch

12h00-14h00, Bill Gallagher, SCC

Be There!

© R

eg C

alde

cott


© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)


South African Tourism Board Member, Thebe

Ikalafeng had delegates mesmerised and

transfixed on Monday evening when he de-

livered his keynote address at the Meetings

Africa gala dinner.

He delivered a strong message to all Meetings

Africa 2013 delegates and the sector they represent:

Our continent brims with ideas that inspire the world.

We produce excellence here in Africa, and the time

is ripe – right now – for each of us to take that excel-

lence, take ownership of it and stand up to proclaim

it loudly and proudly to the world.

“We can inspire the world. We do inspire the

world already with our brilliance,” he said.

AFRICA’S TIME IS NOW! Gala Dinner keynote speaker has strong Advancing Africa Together message for delegates

Meetings Africa 2013STAND AWARDS

We can inspire the world. We do inspire the world already with our

brilliance.

“ “

There is a celebration taking hold as this continent

and its people grow in confidence. It’s a celebration

of identity. And it’s a celebration of culture.

The economy of Africa is growing strongly, and

the economies of the various African nations are

growing strongly, too, he said.

“This Meetings Africa gives us all a fantastic plat-

form to unite in our resolve and to bring fresh energy

and passion to our work. Meetings Africa gives us

each a platform to come together and to showcase

our distinctiveness as business offerings, and as con-

tinent united, to the world. For here in Africa we offer

a truly and uniquely unparalleled experience. Now,

we invite the world to come and share it with us.”

NOT TO MISS!

Large Stand TSHWANE CONVENTION BUREAU

Medium StandCAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

Small StandPROTEA HOTEL BALALAIKA

Green StandSELBY’S PRODUCTIONS

Thebe Ikalafeng

© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)

WHAT YOU’RE THINKING AT MEETINGS AFRICA 2013


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

“The department of education in South Africa and other African countries should make universities understand the importance of engagement with the private sector that could result in third party income streams. That would make universities feel more of a need for public experience and stimulation of academics to bring events to South Africa” Dirk Elzinga, Consultant

“A great platform to leverage business event opportunities. At the associa-tion meeting I noticed the buyers were of a good quality, which is the key ingredient for a great trade show. The gala dinner showed diversity and presented South Africa in a tangible way. It showed ‘lekgotla’ in Africa. How ‘lekgotla’ can be done, this is innovation at its best.” Nonnie Kubeka, General Manager, Gauteng Tourism Authority

“Hosted buyers are top notch. The exhibition has raised the bar, mostly designer stands, custom built, which showcases the indus-try in Africa at its finest level.” Sue Gannon, General Manager, EXSA

“The show has matured since the first time I attended. The fact that we are selling ourselves as a continent, it is brilliant that we attract more people who want to buy Africa, not just South Africa.” Muhammad Kahn, Managing Director, Tribal Meetings

“Strong association diary, back to back meetings. Good leads that will turn into good business. Great potential to convert.” Neil Nagooroo, Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandton Convention Centre

“As a local hosted buyer, it’s good to be included. This is a great platform to network and profile oneself in the region. We’ve been treated extremely well, and congratulations to NCB on a well put together hosted buyers program.” Andrew Binning, Owner, Inkanyezi Event Organisers

“Online diary is fantastic, the professionalism of the show is great. It’s a well organised business-focused trade show. As a first time exhibitor we are happy with our return on investment.” Conrad Kullmann, Sales and Marketing Director, 3D Group

Twitter

follow us#MeetingsAfrica@MeetingsAfrica

What You’ve Been Saying

@CapeTownCBD: “Great keynote speech by @ThebeI-kalafeng @MeetingsAfrica – be proud of being African… Advancing Africa To-gether”

@bruceybid: “Welcome to a place where a helping hand comes standard with a warm smile” @GoToSouthAfrica #MeetingsAfrica”

@TashZoe (Natasha Zoe Marot): “The worker fairies were here last night! @MeetingsAfrica looks amazing! @Go-ToSouthAfrica

@ThebeIkalafeng: “Thank you @MeetingsAfrica. I was in-spired to speak to 50 guest nations abt Africa in Africa. Ours is the most inspir-ing continent”

@Adriaanjl (Adriaan J Liebetrau): “On my way to #MeetingsAfrica from the Hatfield Gautrein Station - be ready to talk Business Africa...”

@William_Price: “On my way to #MeetingsAfrica this morning! It’s going to be great! See you there! #SATravelTrade”

@rainy_nomi (Nomvula Prusent): “@MeetingsAfrica - be proud of being African... Advancing Africa together!”

@ThulileMahonga (Thuli Mahonga): “@MeetingsAfrica great event. Well done.”

@joburgtourism: “@MeetingsAfrica taking place in Jozi, Advancing Africa Together in the busi-ness hub of the continent”

@AllieMacDee (Allison MacDonald): “Before trade shows were simply where demand met supply. Now they’re a plat-form for profound positive change. Gary Grimmer at #MeetingsAfrica”


WHAT YOU’RE THINKING AT MEETINGS AFRICA 2013


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

“The department of education in South Africa and other African countries should make universities understand the importance of engagement with the private sector that could result in third party income streams. That would make universities feel more of a need for public experience and stimulation of academics to bring events to South Africa” Dirk Elzinga, Consultant

“A great platform to leverage business event opportunities. At the associa-tion meeting I noticed the buyers were of a good quality, which is the key ingredient for a great trade show. The gala dinner showed diversity and presented South Africa in a tangible way. It showed ‘lekgotla’ in Africa. How ‘lekgotla’ can be done, this is innovation at its best.” Nonnie Kubeka, General Manager, Gauteng Tourism Authority

“Hosted buyers are top notch. The exhibition has raised the bar, mostly designer stands, custom built, which showcases the indus-try in Africa at its finest level.” Sue Gannon, General Manager, EXSA

“The show has matured since the first time I attended. The fact that we are selling ourselves as a continent, it is brilliant that we attract more people who want to buy Africa, not just South Africa.” Muhammad Kahn, Managing Director, Tribal Meetings

“Strong association diary, back to back meetings. Good leads that will turn into good business. Great potential to convert.” Neil Nagooroo, Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandton Convention Centre

“As a local hosted buyer, it’s good to be included. This is a great platform to network and profile oneself in the region. We’ve been treated extremely well, and congratulations to NCB on a well put together hosted buyers program.” Andrew Binning, Owner, Inkanyezi Event Organisers

“Online diary is fantastic, the professionalism of the show is great. It’s a well organised business-focused trade show. As a first time exhibitor we are happy with our return on investment.” Conrad Kullmann, Sales and Marketing Director, 3D Group

Twitter

follow us#MeetingsAfrica@MeetingsAfrica

What You’ve Been Saying

@CapeTownCBD: “Great keynote speech by @ThebeI-kalafeng @MeetingsAfrica – be proud of being African… Advancing Africa To-gether”

@bruceybid: “Welcome to a place where a helping hand comes standard with a warm smile” @GoToSouthAfrica #MeetingsAfrica”

@TashZoe (Natasha Zoe Marot): “The worker fairies were here last night! @MeetingsAfrica looks amazing! @Go-ToSouthAfrica

@ThebeIkalafeng: “Thank you @MeetingsAfrica. I was in-spired to speak to 50 guest nations abt Africa in Africa. Ours is the most inspir-ing continent”

@Adriaanjl (Adriaan J Liebetrau): “On my way to #MeetingsAfrica from the Hatfield Gautrein Station - be ready to talk Business Africa...”

@William_Price: “On my way to #MeetingsAfrica this morning! It’s going to be great! See you there! #SATravelTrade”

@rainy_nomi (Nomvula Prusent): “@MeetingsAfrica - be proud of being African... Advancing Africa together!”

@ThulileMahonga (Thuli Mahonga): “@MeetingsAfrica great event. Well done.”

@joburgtourism: “@MeetingsAfrica taking place in Jozi, Advancing Africa Together in the busi-ness hub of the continent”

@AllieMacDee (Allison MacDonald): “Before trade shows were simply where demand met supply. Now they’re a plat-form for profound positive change. Gary Grimmer at #MeetingsAfrica”



Kievits Kroon

Seen at Meetings Africa 2013



NEED TO KNOW• You can make a photocopy in the Business

Centrewhich isnexttotheRestaurant inthe

mainhall

• Exhibitorsmayaccess the freewireless inter-

netwith:

Username:Meetings_Africa

Password:GoRentals101

• Therewill adiscussion in themainhall from

15h00-16h00 (open to all) featuring four

speakers:

•LindaPereira,theExecutiveDirector

ofCPLEvents

•BruceRador,GainingEdge

•DirkElzinga,Consultant

•MatiNyazema,ExecutiveDirector,

SandtonConventionCentre

• Exhibitorsmayhavedrinksattheirstandsfrom

16h00fornetworking,butwillneedtoorganise

theirowncatering.

Gala Dinner

Photography © Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)


Kievits Kroon

Seen at Meetings Africa 2013



NEED TO KNOW• You can make a photocopy in the Business

Centrewhich isnexttotheRestaurant inthe

mainhall

• Exhibitorsmayaccess the freewireless inter-

netwith:

Username:Meetings_Africa

Password:GoRentals101

• Therewill adiscussion in themainhall from

15h00-16h00 (open to all) featuring four

speakers:

•LindaPereira,theExecutiveDirector

ofCPLEvents

•BruceRador,GainingEdge

•DirkElzinga,Consultant

•MatiNyazema,ExecutiveDirector,

SandtonConventionCentre

• Exhibitorsmayhavedrinksattheirstandsfrom

16h00fornetworking,butwillneedtoorganise

theirowncatering.

Gala Dinner

Photography © Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)

I think 2013 will be a lucky year for the incentive industry because there seems to be a

liveliness in the industry for a bright future.

“ “The buzz on the floor at Meetings Africa is

hopefully a great indication of a bright year

ahead for the business travel and conferenc-

ing industry.

There’s a sense of optimism and a sense of renewed

energy in the air, largely fuelled by some excellent

speakers who are making this year’s Meetings Africa

a memorable event. “I think 2013 will be a lucky year

for the incentive industry because there seems to be a

liveliness in the industry for a bright future,” said Peter

John Mitrovich of the incentive travel association Site.

It’s just a year since the National Convention Bureau

was launched, and it appears to have had a tangible im-

pact. At the opening ceremony, South African Tourism

CEO Thulani Nzima said the bureau was meeting its very

lofty goals. The theme of the conference, “Advancing

Africa Together”, wasn’t so much by choice as by neces-

sity, he said. “We are completely bound to each other

economically and to a large extent politically as well,” he

said. “Putting Africa first then focusing on South Africa

will help us as a continent,” he said.

About 70% of the 350 hosted buyers attending have

never been to South Africa before, which means ex-

hibitors are being exposed to potential business from a

whole new market. If each of those buyers brought one

THE FLAVOUR OF MEETINGS AFRICA

business meeting to Africa, that would result in about

62,000 delegates, Thulani added.

Foreign media watching the opening ceremony

were fascinated by Africa’s traditions, especially open-

ing the ceremony by blowing a kudu horn and welcom-

ing Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk on stage

with a praise singer.

Yet despite the pan-African focus, many stands

were promoting South Africa specifically, including

major hotel groups, boutique hotels, city-specific

convention bureaus and attractions including the

Cradle of Humankind.

For many people the Gala Dinner was a highlight,

thanks to speaker Thebe Ikalafang, the founder of Brand

Leadership. His entertaining speech was delivered with

images showing the growth of African economies, and

he stressed that Africa must stop being seen as a coun-

try in need of aid. Africans must be proud of being Afri-

can and build its brand, he said.

Another highlight came during the AGM for Site,

from motivational speaker Robin Banks. Robin gave

a very funny presentation of the power of a positive

mindset. Every day you wake up with the ability to

think whatever you like, and thinking positive thoughts

translates into self-belief and ultimately, self-fulfilment,

he said. Let go of your baggage, he urged, stop blam-

ing other people for your woes, and take charge of your

own destiny. Then go out onto the conference floor as

a warm breeze of positive energy, not an icy blast that

people want to avoid.

Speaker Linda Pereira was another highlight, having

youngsters at the Future Leaders Forum doubled over

in laughter as she recalled her own shaky career start

before she found her wings. Linda was also speaking at

The Big Debate, a panel discussion on subvention funds

that help cities to win bids for business tourism events

by paying for incentives to attract the organisers.

On the exhibition floor the Matchmaking area was

busy as potential buyers met representatives of lo-

cal venues and services. Leighanne Dawkins of Inyati

Game Reserve had 10 meetings yesterday with four

more planned for today. She used the Matchmaking

service to schedule appointments with international

buyers attending the event. “It works fabulously,” she

said. “As a private game lodge we target international

buyers, but now I don’t have to do five trips to Argen-

tina or Spain. I can see the decision-makers here and

it’s really productive,” she said. “You can sit at a stand

all day and not see anybody but that’s your own fault

for not being proactive.”

- By Lesley Stones

© Rebecca H

earfield


WINNER!

K efiloe Masemola , a student at Tsh-

wane University has won the oppor-

tunity to travel to Germany to com-

pete in the International University

Challenge in Frankfurt in May.

At the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Fo-

rum at Meetings Africa students took part in

a speaking competition. They were asked to

prepare a 10 minute presentation about stag-

ing a meeting with cultural relevance. Judges

selected the most impressive three entries and

those students made their presentations dur-

ing the Future Leaders Forum. Kefiloe was the

winner. Congratulations!

Kefiloe Masemola


I think 2013 will be a lucky year for the incentive industry because there seems to be a

liveliness in the industry for a bright future.

“ “The buzz on the floor at Meetings Africa is

hopefully a great indication of a bright year

ahead for the business travel and conferenc-

ing industry.

There’s a sense of optimism and a sense of renewed

energy in the air, largely fuelled by some excellent

speakers who are making this year’s Meetings Africa

a memorable event. “I think 2013 will be a lucky year

for the incentive industry because there seems to be a

liveliness in the industry for a bright future,” said Peter

John Mitrovich of the incentive travel association Site.

It’s just a year since the National Convention Bureau

was launched, and it appears to have had a tangible im-

pact. At the opening ceremony, South African Tourism

CEO Thulani Nzima said the bureau was meeting its very

lofty goals. The theme of the conference, “Advancing

Africa Together”, wasn’t so much by choice as by neces-

sity, he said. “We are completely bound to each other

economically and to a large extent politically as well,” he

said. “Putting Africa first then focusing on South Africa

will help us as a continent,” he said.

About 70% of the 350 hosted buyers attending have

never been to South Africa before, which means ex-

hibitors are being exposed to potential business from a

whole new market. If each of those buyers brought one

THE FLAVOUR OF MEETINGS AFRICA

business meeting to Africa, that would result in about

62,000 delegates, Thulani added.

Foreign media watching the opening ceremony

were fascinated by Africa’s traditions, especially open-

ing the ceremony by blowing a kudu horn and welcom-

ing Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk on stage

with a praise singer.

Yet despite the pan-African focus, many stands

were promoting South Africa specifically, including

major hotel groups, boutique hotels, city-specific

convention bureaus and attractions including the

Cradle of Humankind.

For many people the Gala Dinner was a highlight,

thanks to speaker Thebe Ikalafang, the founder of Brand

Leadership. His entertaining speech was delivered with

images showing the growth of African economies, and

he stressed that Africa must stop being seen as a coun-

try in need of aid. Africans must be proud of being Afri-

can and build its brand, he said.

Another highlight came during the AGM for Site,

from motivational speaker Robin Banks. Robin gave

a very funny presentation of the power of a positive

mindset. Every day you wake up with the ability to

think whatever you like, and thinking positive thoughts

translates into self-belief and ultimately, self-fulfilment,

he said. Let go of your baggage, he urged, stop blam-

ing other people for your woes, and take charge of your

own destiny. Then go out onto the conference floor as

a warm breeze of positive energy, not an icy blast that

people want to avoid.

Speaker Linda Pereira was another highlight, having

youngsters at the Future Leaders Forum doubled over

in laughter as she recalled her own shaky career start

before she found her wings. Linda was also speaking at

The Big Debate, a panel discussion on subvention funds

that help cities to win bids for business tourism events

by paying for incentives to attract the organisers.

On the exhibition floor the Matchmaking area was

busy as potential buyers met representatives of lo-

cal venues and services. Leighanne Dawkins of Inyati

Game Reserve had 10 meetings yesterday with four

more planned for today. She used the Matchmaking

service to schedule appointments with international

buyers attending the event. “It works fabulously,” she

said. “As a private game lodge we target international

buyers, but now I don’t have to do five trips to Argen-

tina or Spain. I can see the decision-makers here and

it’s really productive,” she said. “You can sit at a stand

all day and not see anybody but that’s your own fault

for not being proactive.”

- By Lesley Stones

© Rebecca H

earfield


WINNER!

K efiloe Masemola , a student at Tsh-

wane University has won the oppor-

tunity to travel to Germany to com-

pete in the International University

Challenge in Frankfurt in May.

At the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Fo-

rum at Meetings Africa students took part in

a speaking competition. They were asked to

prepare a 10 minute presentation about stag-

ing a meeting with cultural relevance. Judges

selected the most impressive three entries and

those students made their presentations dur-

ing the Future Leaders Forum. Kefiloe was the

winner. Congratulations!

Kefiloe Masemola



The local chapter of Site (Society of Incen-

tive and Travel Executives) is launching a

new training scheme to sponsor young-

sters keen to enter the industry, believing

its members can give them better training than the

courses being run by tertiary education institutes.

College and university courses in tourism are not

equipped to give newcomers the skills they need

to work in the incentive industry, members of Site

agreed at the AGM yesterday.

Last year Site sponsored a bursary, but this year

members want to ensure the training the chosen stu-

dent receives is properly tailored for the industry. “We

are rethinking the whole programme this year so we

have control of how it gets done,” said Site member

Robin MacLeod.

Members will be invited to nominate a student

they feel will be a benefit to the industry. Several can-

didates will be chosen for six months of learnership,

moving between various jobs to get exposure to the

industry. “After six months we will select the candi-

date we think should have a full year working bursary,”

Robin said. “We have looked at all the educational

institutes and they have hospitality and tourism pro-

grammes, but nothing matches what we do. So they

will work with us at incentive companies, transport

companies, adventure companies and hotels.”

The bursary will not lead to a recognised tertiary

certificate, but the student will get a Site certificate,

Robin said. “It will be invaluable to them going for-

ward and getting a job. We think that is more valu-

able than subsidising tertiary education that doesn’t

benefit anyone.”

SITE PREPARES FOR THE FUTURE

Procuring new, We have to think

about the bigger picture, and Site is a mechanism for

building relationships with people elsewhere in Africa for business

opportunities.

““

Geoff Sager told the AGM that the Site chapter

was solvent and had money to support this bursary

scheme. Money was also available to fund additional

training for members or to train non-members who

would benefit from knowing more about the incen-

tive travel industry, such as hoteliers, restaurateurs

and the media.

A Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) course

would be run as soon as 25 people had signed up,

then trainers from Site headquarters would come

to South Africa to run the two-day seminar, Geoff

said. He also reassured the AGM that the small

membership number in South Africa was nothing

to worry about, and once it reached 60 members it

would rank as one of the 10 largest country chap-

ters in the world.

Peter John Mitrovich gave an update of member-

ship figures. In 2010 its membership was just short

of 70, but fell to 48 in 2011 and fell even further in

2012. “The good news is that we are back up to 54 and

have another five pending membership approval,” Pe-

ter said. About 70% of members are in Johannesburg

and the rest in Cape Town, so a membership drive is

planned for the Garden Route to broadcast the ben-

efits of membership, he said.

David Sand, the first African to serve as the Glob-

al President of Site, said his leadership role had been

a hugely beneficial learning curve. It had also bene-

fitted his business through new connections formed

with other members. “Our association is a platform

for buyers, sellers and suppliers to come together

and connect and network,” David said. “We are

focusing heavily on how to attract more buyers be-

cause at networking events it’s all very well as sup-

pliers to smile at each other, but you want to meet

potential new business people who you can attract

to our destinations. So we have some really clever

ideas we are going to be rolling out.”

David said it was important to highlight Africa as

an incentive destination, and Kenya was one particu-

lar place worth pushing. “It’s really important that

business enterprises in this part of the world start

looking beyond our own borders for growth. South

Africa is like a fishpond with too many fish,” said

David. “We have been competing and cutting each

others throats for so long. We have to think about

the bigger picture, and Site is a mechanism for build-

ing relationships with people elsewhere in Africa for

business opportunities,” he said.

- By Lesley Stones

© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)


The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa (EPG), a

new publication providing an overview of

the continent’s world-class infrastructure and

events sectors, has been launched at Meet-

ings Africa. In EPG information is available on meetings,

incentives, conferences, exhibitions, events, and tour-

ism. Event planners can find reasons to bring events to

Africa, location information, venue spotlights, govern-

ment contacts, and events industry highlights all in a

stylish, easy-to-use format.

The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa is a publica-

tion of Film & Event Media, the award-winning team

behind products including The Event Magazine.

Publisher Lance Gibbons says, “EPG is a collective

voice for the African content, showcasing the best

of the best of what Africa has to offer the world

in terms of Business Events. The book is designed

to give a visual spectrum of services accompanied

with bite-size vital information blocks. The regional

spreads explain the infrastructure and capability of

the location’s offering and the profile pages give

companies the opportunity to highlight their value

with a flare of visually appealing imagery. This being

our first book launched at Meetings Africa 2013 we

believe it can only grow. The distribution will prove

to be the key to our success so media partnerships

with all major local and international events and

trade shows have been brokered. We look forward

to advancing Africa together.”

Film & Event Media is proud to celebrate the con-

tinued rise of the African events industry, and showcase

everything Africa has to offer.

EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE TO AFRICA TAKES OFFEPG is a collective

voice for the African content, showcasing

the best of the best of what Africa has to offer

the world in terms of Business Events.

“

“



The local chapter of Site (Society of Incen-

tive and Travel Executives) is launching a

new training scheme to sponsor young-

sters keen to enter the industry, believing

its members can give them better training than the

courses being run by tertiary education institutes.

College and university courses in tourism are not

equipped to give newcomers the skills they need

to work in the incentive industry, members of Site

agreed at the AGM yesterday.

Last year Site sponsored a bursary, but this year

members want to ensure the training the chosen stu-

dent receives is properly tailored for the industry. “We

are rethinking the whole programme this year so we

have control of how it gets done,” said Site member

Robin MacLeod.

Members will be invited to nominate a student

they feel will be a benefit to the industry. Several can-

didates will be chosen for six months of learnership,

moving between various jobs to get exposure to the

industry. “After six months we will select the candi-

date we think should have a full year working bursary,”

Robin said. “We have looked at all the educational

institutes and they have hospitality and tourism pro-

grammes, but nothing matches what we do. So they

will work with us at incentive companies, transport

companies, adventure companies and hotels.”

The bursary will not lead to a recognised tertiary

certificate, but the student will get a Site certificate,

Robin said. “It will be invaluable to them going for-

ward and getting a job. We think that is more valu-

able than subsidising tertiary education that doesn’t

benefit anyone.”

SITE PREPARES FOR THE FUTURE

Procuring new, We have to think

about the bigger picture, and Site is a mechanism for

building relationships with people elsewhere in Africa for business

opportunities.

““

Geoff Sager told the AGM that the Site chapter

was solvent and had money to support this bursary

scheme. Money was also available to fund additional

training for members or to train non-members who

would benefit from knowing more about the incen-

tive travel industry, such as hoteliers, restaurateurs

and the media.

A Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) course

would be run as soon as 25 people had signed up,

then trainers from Site headquarters would come

to South Africa to run the two-day seminar, Geoff

said. He also reassured the AGM that the small

membership number in South Africa was nothing

to worry about, and once it reached 60 members it

would rank as one of the 10 largest country chap-

ters in the world.

Peter John Mitrovich gave an update of member-

ship figures. In 2010 its membership was just short

of 70, but fell to 48 in 2011 and fell even further in

2012. “The good news is that we are back up to 54 and

have another five pending membership approval,” Pe-

ter said. About 70% of members are in Johannesburg

and the rest in Cape Town, so a membership drive is

planned for the Garden Route to broadcast the ben-

efits of membership, he said.

David Sand, the first African to serve as the Glob-

al President of Site, said his leadership role had been

a hugely beneficial learning curve. It had also bene-

fitted his business through new connections formed

with other members. “Our association is a platform

for buyers, sellers and suppliers to come together

and connect and network,” David said. “We are

focusing heavily on how to attract more buyers be-

cause at networking events it’s all very well as sup-

pliers to smile at each other, but you want to meet

potential new business people who you can attract

to our destinations. So we have some really clever

ideas we are going to be rolling out.”

David said it was important to highlight Africa as

an incentive destination, and Kenya was one particu-

lar place worth pushing. “It’s really important that

business enterprises in this part of the world start

looking beyond our own borders for growth. South

Africa is like a fishpond with too many fish,” said

David. “We have been competing and cutting each

others throats for so long. We have to think about

the bigger picture, and Site is a mechanism for build-

ing relationships with people elsewhere in Africa for

business opportunities,” he said.

- By Lesley Stones

© Reg Caldecott

(ww

w.jpg.co.za)


The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa (EPG), a

new publication providing an overview of

the continent’s world-class infrastructure and

events sectors, has been launched at Meet-

ings Africa. In EPG information is available on meetings,

incentives, conferences, exhibitions, events, and tour-

ism. Event planners can find reasons to bring events to

Africa, location information, venue spotlights, govern-

ment contacts, and events industry highlights all in a

stylish, easy-to-use format.

The Event Planner’s Guide to Africa is a publica-

tion of Film & Event Media, the award-winning team

behind products including The Event Magazine.

Publisher Lance Gibbons says, “EPG is a collective

voice for the African content, showcasing the best

of the best of what Africa has to offer the world

in terms of Business Events. The book is designed

to give a visual spectrum of services accompanied

with bite-size vital information blocks. The regional

spreads explain the infrastructure and capability of

the location’s offering and the profile pages give

companies the opportunity to highlight their value

with a flare of visually appealing imagery. This being

our first book launched at Meetings Africa 2013 we

believe it can only grow. The distribution will prove

to be the key to our success so media partnerships

with all major local and international events and

trade shows have been brokered. We look forward

to advancing Africa together.”

Film & Event Media is proud to celebrate the con-

tinued rise of the African events industry, and showcase

everything Africa has to offer.

EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE TO AFRICA TAKES OFFEPG is a collective

voice for the African content, showcasing

the best of the best of what Africa has to offer

the world in terms of Business Events.

“

“


Documents

Meetings Africa 2013 Day 3