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The first edition of Daily News at Meetings Africa, 24 February 2014
Citation preview
www.theevent.co.zaPlease recycle me Published by
Join us on
SouthAfricaNationalConventionBureau
SouthAfricaNationalConventionBureau
@SA_NCB
@SA_NCB
MeetingsAfrica14
MeetingsAfrica14
www.meetingsafrica.com
www.meetingsafrica.com
2014/meetingsafrica
2014/meeti ngsafrica
INSIDE MEETINGS AFRICA 2014Meetings Africa is back and better than ever in 2014
Meetings Africa is back and better than
ever in 2014. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo,
Executive Manager of the South African
National Convention Bureau, talks
about what attendees can expect this year.
Q: What is in store for Meetings Africa 2014?
A: Meetings Africa 2014 will kick off today with the annual
BOND DAY (Business Opportunity Networking Day).
BOND DAY is designed to provide educational and
networking opportunities for the South African business
events industry. The day will kick off with the Event Greening
Forum’s 2014 Conference at Meetings Africa. This half-day
event will be packed with information on Responsible
Tourism, with a specifi c focus on business events.
Two educational tracks will follow after lunch which
This year’s Meetings Africa has exceeded itself
– 10,169 meetings have already been requested,
which is 2,000 more meetings than in 2013. Part of
the reason for the success of the conference is the
SANCB’s tireless work in promoting and running
the event for both years, coupled with the fact that
Gauteng has a strong corporate meetings industry
that attracts locals and internationals alike.
Executive Manager of the SANCB, Amanda
Kotze-Nhlapo said in a recent interview, “Africa
and South Africa are rising. Our capability and
our track record as business events destination is
now beyond dispute. When we assigned Meetings
Africa 2014 the ‘Advancing Africa Together’ theme,
we were exceptionally conscious of the great
potential that this region offers the world.”
The SANCB has big ambitions for this year’s
event. In 2013 it saw 147 international buyers and
100 local corporate buyers attending the show, but
this year has far exceeded those numbers with a
variety of 1,079 buyers in total.
Meetings Africa 2014 will also see 247
exhibitors at the expo and 32 fi nal year Tourism
and Hospitality students taking part in the IMEX-
MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum Africa.
is open to all exhibitors. Global business events experts,
Rob Cameron from the International Association
of Convention Centres, Linda Pereira, CEO of L&I
Communications Group and Niki Clarke, global hosted
buyer qualifi er, will be presenting topics on how to
maximize on business opportunities.
Association day will take place from 09h00 and will be
attended by association representatives from across the
African continent. The objective of the event is to build
the national and Pan-African association communities, to
promote their engagement with international associations
and to create major macro-economic benefi ts and lead
development for the country. Association day will be
followed by the International Congress and Convention
Association’s (ICCA) African Chapter – Client /Supplier
workshop where members will have an opportunity to
meet and interact with the association representatives.
The IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum will be
hosted for the second year at Meetings Africa. The top
tourism and hospitality students from universities across
South Africa will be competing in the International
University Challenge. The winner of this challenge will be
representing South Africa at the global challenge at IMEX
in Frankfurt, Germany.
BOND DAY will conclude with the Meetings Africa
gala dinner, a must attend event!
For the fi rst time ever, Meetings Africa and the
Unique Speakers Bureau will be staging the biggest
single congregation of all the major operations in events
facilities and venues, professional speakers and MCs all
under one roof. The event will be attended by over 800
local and regional corporate buyers (ABSA, Liberty Life,
Discovery, etc.), 40 of USB’s top speakers - of which 20
are leading global presenters. All the corporate buyers
will be part of the Meetings Africa diary system which
will allow exhibitors to schedule one-on-one meetings
with the buyers. Visit www.meetingsafrica.co.za for more
information on our exciting events programme.
Q: How is Meetings Africa demonstrating its
commitment to the theme “Advancing Africa Together”?
A: Africa and South Africa are rising. Our capability
and our track record as business event destinations
are now beyond dispute. When we assigned Meetings
Africa 2013 the Advancing Africa Together theme, we
were exceptionally conscious of the great potential that
this region offers the world. We were united, too, in our
ambition to position Meetings Africa as a platform to
grow our share of the regional and global market.
To date 247 exhibitors have signed up for Meetings
Africa 2014 and we have 47 confi rmed African
associations’ representatives for Association Day.
Meetings Africa offers the world a single platform to
do business with the cream of this continent’s service
provider... all under one roof.
Q: How many international hosted buyers attended in
2013? How many are you expecting in 2014?
A: In 2013, 147 international buyers and 100 local
corporate buyers attended the show – and this year, all
indications are that this number will be exceeded. We
set ourselves a target of attracting 160 international
buyers to Meetings Africa 2014. By mid-February, there
were already 192 international buyers confi rmed to
attend, and another 800 regional and local corporate
buyers. This will be the biggest contingent of qualifi ed
buyers ever hosted at Meetings Africa. Each of
the international hosted buyers has been vetted
and accredited against the global business events
trade show standards. These buyers are vetted by
ICR (International Conference and Incentive Travel
Research, Inc) to ensure that only quality buyers, with
excellent and serious intentions to do business, are
hosted at Meetings Africa. This gives exhibitors access
to the world’s (and the region’s) premier buyers, and
an excellent opportunity over the two days of the show
to close lucrative business deals.
OVER 10,000 MEETINGS REQUESTED IN 2014
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo
South African Tourism
South African Tourism
SA TravelTrade
SA TravelTrade
02 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
THE EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE TO AFRICA IS THE WIDELY ACCLAIMED PREMIER MARKETING TOOL FOR AFRICA’S BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY.
VISIT US AT STAND A6
CONTACT SHAUN ROSS Tel: 021 674 0646 | email: shaun@filmeventmedia.co.za
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 03
TODAY’S TOP TIPSMatchmaking is here to helpThe Matchmaking team is on site and ready to ensure continuous support to all Meetings Africa attendees.
Take the TrainSandton Gautrain Station is a mere five minute walk from the SCC, and provides easy and safe travelling from Pretoria, Midrand, OR Tambo International Airport and Rosebank.
Go GreenMeetings Africa is a green event. The Event Greening Forum is on site ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Feel free to chat to them about the innovative greening techniques that are being used at Meetings Africa 2014.
Scan here for Full Schedule
EVENTS Not to Miss!
By Invitation Only09:00 – 13:00Association Day
09:00 - 17:00IMEX-MPI-MCI FutureLeaders Forum Africa
14:00 – 17:00ICCA Africa Chapter –Client supplier workshop
Open To All08:30 - 12:30Event Greening Forum
13:30 – 15:00Economic impact studies and their use in meetings industry
15:00 – 17:00Maximising on trade show participation
18:00 – 19:00Gala Dinner NetworkingEvent (tickets available to purchase)
19:00 –24:00Gala Dinner (tickets available to purchase)
© A
friPics
02 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
THE EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE TO AFRICA IS THE WIDELY ACCLAIMED PREMIER MARKETING TOOL FOR AFRICA’S BUSINESS EVENTS INDUSTRY.
VISIT US AT STAND A6
CONTACT SHAUN ROSS Tel: 021 674 0646 | email: shaun@filmeventmedia.co.za
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 03
TODAY’S TOP TIPSMatchmaking is here to helpThe Matchmaking team is on site and ready to ensure continuous support to all Meetings Africa attendees.
Take the TrainSandton Gautrain Station is a mere five minute walk from the SCC, and provides easy and safe travelling from Pretoria, Midrand, OR Tambo International Airport and Rosebank.
Go GreenMeetings Africa is a green event. The Event Greening Forum is on site ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Feel free to chat to them about the innovative greening techniques that are being used at Meetings Africa 2014.
Scan here for Full Schedule
EVENTS Not to Miss!
By Invitation Only09:00 – 13:00Association Day
09:00 - 17:00IMEX-MPI-MCI FutureLeaders Forum Africa
14:00 – 17:00ICCA Africa Chapter –Client supplier workshop
Open To All08:30 - 12:30Event Greening Forum
13:30 – 15:00Economic impact studies and their use in meetings industry
15:00 – 17:00Maximising on trade show participation
18:00 – 19:00Gala Dinner NetworkingEvent (tickets available to purchase)
19:00 –24:00Gala Dinner (tickets available to purchase)
© A
friPics
GREENING INITIATIVESat Meetings Africa 2014 - By the Event Greening Forum
As an eco company, Earth Probiotic is
committed to reducing the amount of
food waste going to landfill by providing a
food waste recycling solution that is planet
friendly and easy to use.
Why worry about food waste?Of all our production streams the biggest emitter
of CO2e is food. Generating 4,000kg/tonne food
waste produces more negative emissions than tyre
manufacturing and metal.
When food waste is dumped an additional 335kg/
tonne of CO2e is emitted with the total emissions from
plant that is prized for its water-wise and pollution-fighting
characteristics. These plants will be donated to charities
after the event. The meeting spaces include water bars,
where filtered water is served in recyclable cups.
For the first time, Green Stand Awards will be
the only awards presented to exhibitors. Exhibitors
submitted a brief motivation about their stand’s
green design principles. Stands will be judged in
Small, Medium and Large categories by an external
panel. The winners in each category will receive a
certificate and a Bokashi kit (which uses a Japanese-
inspired fermentation process to convert food waste
into compost). To encourage exhibitors to green their
stands, a Green Stand Design Workshop was hosted in
Johannesburg towards the end of 2013. The workshop
targeted both stand builders and Meetings Africa 2013
exhibitors. The Exhibitor Briefings hosted around the
country earlier this year included greening tips. These
tips were also emailed to all exhibitors
Initiatives that have been done beforeAs we have done before, we will donate re-usable
elements to charities after the show: the carpeting used
in the exhibition hall and the indigenous plants used
in the hall and on exhibitors’ stands will go to worthy
causes. The show organisers bought Renewable Energy
Certificates to power the show.
The organisers used an online Services Manual
to minimise printing of order forms, and paper use.
Executive Stand Fabric Package options were available
again this year – this encourages the re-use of exhibitors’
fabric graphics.
Service providers have pledged to do their part to be
green with regard to their involvement at Meetings Africa,
and to use green practices in their offices, where possible.
Travel agents committed to book direct flights for
visitors, and use the Gautrain and shuttle services where
• Theprocurementofgoodsandservicesis
acriticalaspect,sosupportproductsand
servicesfromlocalreputablesuppliersthat
usesustainablepractices.
• Reduce,Re-use,Recycle–considerwhereyou
canencouragewastereductionthroughoutthe
wholeprocess.
• Ensurethatyoureventhasasocial
component,suchasgivingleftoverfoodto
localdisadvantagedorganisations.
• Considerincentivesfortheuseofpublic
transport,suchasprovidingfreepublic
transportonthedayoftheeventorencourage
carsharing.
• ConsidervideoconferencingorSkype
meetingsinsteadofmeetinginperson.
• Considertheenvironmentalpolicyofthe
venueoraccommodationwhenmakingyour
bookings–thiswillneedtobespecifically
requested.
• Considerthedistancebetweenconference
venueandaccommodationtoreducetheneed
foradditionaltravel.
• Encouragetheactiveparticipationof
thedelegatesorvisitorsinthegreening
processthroughprovidinginformationon
whattheycando.
• Encouragea‘greencorner’atyourevent
thatshowcasesthegreeningpracticesand
interventionsimplemented.
• Monitor,Measure,Report–ensurethata
monitoringandevaluationprocessisinplace
toencouragebenchmarkingandidentify
lessonslearnt.
food waste thus rising to 4,335kg/tonne.
Whilst reducing food waste should be prioritised,
recycling food waste helps reduce our personal carbon
footprint by 435kg of CO2E per ton of food waste, and
ensures a safer and cleaner home/kitchen environment.
Technology:This all natural solution combines Effective Micro
organism Technology or “friendly
bacteria” coined “bokashi” and airtight digester bins
to recycle food waste. Our system
produces no methane gases and also eliminates
harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Unlike
other forms of composting, with bokashi (bran
infused micro-organisms) you can recycle
ALL food waste including cooked and uncooked
meat, dairy and small bones.
Process:The process works by layering up food waste with bokashi
in the digester bins. Once full the bin is left to stand for
two weeks. Thereafter it can be added to garden waste,
trenched (or fed to wormeries). After 6-8 weeks the
recycled food waste will have broken down completely,
and turned into a highly nutritious soil food/compost.!
1. Add bokashi to bottom of bin
2. Add one rubbish bag of food waste per layer (of
food waste)
3. Add two litres of bokashi per layer of food waste
4. Continue to layer food waste with bokashi until
bin is full
5. When full seal ring. Keep closed for two weeks
Composting:Once waste is stabilized it needs to be composted
through a compost heap/bag, worm farm or
trench gardening.
Benefits:1. Kitchens will be more hygienic with less flies and
odours.
2. Accurate wet waste figures can be calculated.
3. Up to 32% more dry recyclables can be collected
and recycled.
4. Better odour management in the waste area.
5. Continuous chemical free compost supply, if
composted on site.
6. Opportunity to build vegetable gardens and
supply own kitchens.
possible. Hosted buyers were encouraged by travel agents
to offset their own flight-related carbon footprint by
planting trees.
Hotels were required to submit an accommodation
questionnaire that covered their green practices.
The caterers will serve traditional South African
foods, made from locally-produced, seasonal and, as
far as possible, organic ingredients. There are several
vegetarian options. Seafood was approved by the
Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI),
coffee by Fair Trade, and wines come from members of
the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI). To discourage
visitors from drinking bottled water, the caterers are
selling bottled water at a premium, and the extra money
will be donated to Food & Trees for Africa. All take-
away food sold in the exhibition hall is being served in
biodegradable containers.
Exhibitors are able to buy a tree from Food & Trees for
Africa to offset their carbon footprint from attending the
show. Bokashi had a stand at the show where exhibitors
are able to buy a kit. An eco-audit is being done at the
show, with all the greening initiatives monitored and
measured by an independent consultant. The results will
be used to improve the greening of future events.
• Forthefirsttime,allplantsusedatthe
showandbyexhibitorsontheirstands
arelocally-sourcedandindigenous:Yellow
Wood;NatalMahogany;Mother-in-Law’s
Tongue.Theseplantsgrowwelloutdoors
andwillbedonatedtocommunityprojects
aftertheshow.
• Inadditiontorenewableenergybeingused
topowerthehalls,thisyearexhibitorsare
abletobuyrenewableenergytopowertheir
individualstands.Thisisthefirsttimethis
hasbeendoneinSouthAfrica.
• MeetingsAfricaisusingthebrandingfrom
lastyear’sshow.Thismeansthatlastyear’s
corporateclothingisbeingre-usedbyshow
personnel.
• Caterersontheshowflooruseorganic
wasterecycling.Kitchenstaffweretrained
tousetheBokashibinscompostingsystem
whichisbeingusedtorecycleallorganic
wasteinthekitchens.
DID YOU KNOW?
TOP TIPSFor Greening
BOKASHIthe brainchild of Earth Probiotic Recycling Solutions
South African National Convention Bureau
(SANCB) has been an early adopter of the
trend towards hosting greener events. During
recent years, it has shown its commitment
to sustainability by incorporating a number of green
practices at Africa’s largest business events show,
Meetings Africa.
The following green practices are being implemented
at Meetings Africa 2014:
New initiatives – there are a number of initiatives implemented for the first time Three green meeting spaces are included in the design
of the show. These areas are made exclusively from up-
cycled and salvaged materials: the walls and floors are
made from wooden pallets; old painted tyres are being
used as ottomans and planters; lanyards from previous
Meetings Africa shows were used for seat webbing; and
chandeliers are made from old bubble wrap. The meeting
spaces have living walls of Spekboom, an indigenous
Exhibitors are able to buy a tree from Food & Trees for Africa to offset their carbon footprint from attending the show.
“
“
04 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEwith the World
offi cial page on Facebook. Alternatively, simply visit www.
meetingsafrica.co.za to fi nd the latest news. Also, keep an
eye on SANCB’s YouTube channel: TravelTrade SA. The
SANCB understands the importance of staying in touch
and up to date with your fellow delegates and as such,
has provided a way in which to share all your exciting
experiences. We will retweet your enthusiasm, your top
tips and your business secrets as you post them and all
you need to do is include the hashtag #MeetingsAfrica14.
Don’t wait for the conference to begin to start sharing
your excitement and news. We already started the build-
up weeks ago, sharing interesting info from some of
the speakers lined up, as well as agenda updates and
fabulous competitions. So hurry, follow us, like our page
or simply bookmark our website on your smartphone in
order to capitalise on the free networking options that are
available. And don’t forget to add #MeetingsAfrica14!
1. Find the offi cial hashtag and use it. Your
tweets will be searchable and will make it
into the ‘offi cial’ event feed.
2. If you’re going to a ‘sub event’ or session,
use an appropriate ‘sub hashtag’ so others
can fi nd you.
3. Find out if speakers or companies
have Twitter handles – then start the
conversation!
4. Engage with your followers. Twitter is a
constantly evolving global conversation,
and you want to be part of it! Respond to
questions from your followers, and don’t
be shy to ask questions yourself. Meetings
Africa has a dedicated social media team
that can’t wait to engage with you!
5. Retweet, link to interesting articles and
post jaw-dropping photos! Don’t be afraid
to share your unique experience with us.
6. Check your feed and messages after-hours
to see if anyone has responded or is
engaged. How many followers did you pick
up at #MeetingsAfrica14?
BECOME A SOCIAL MEDIA GURU
As a delegate reading this, you’re at Meetings
Africa to network, to learn, to grow your
business and to invest in that of others. But
Meetings Africa 2014 is so much more than
that. It’s about communicating your fi ndings, sharing
your wealth of information and letting likeminded global
citizens know just how important this conference and
exhibition is to you. This is often quite hard with the tight
conference schedule and with 259 exhibitors, 1,709 Buyers
in total and over 10,169 meetings requests. This year, we
offer you the chance to share your experience with the
world and the opportunity to fi nd friends and potential
business partners though a few simple social mediums –
namely Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Flickr.
To see whether you’re missing an event or to fi nd out
more about what’s going on, follow @SA_NCB on Twitter
or like the South Africa National Convention Bureau’s
follow us#Meeti ngsAfrica@Meeti ngsAfrica
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TWITTERSPHEREThe Event Greening Forum (@EventGreening):
“It is very encouraging to see all the
#eventgreening principles implemented at
#MeetingsAfrica14 by @SA_NCB”
Shaun Ross (@shaunzim): “That time again -
#MeetingsAfrica14. Can’t wait!”
Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng): “Are you ready
for the #MeetingsAfrica14 in Sandton 24-26 Feb?
Register online here – it’s an event not to be
missed. www.ow.ly/tMmCA”
Trend Media (@TrendMedia10): “We’re excited
to be attending @SA_NCB #MeetingsAfrica14
next week! 24-26 Feb at the Sandton Convention
Centre”
Rustle Rat (@RustleRat): “#MeetingsAfrica14 is
just around the corner Joburg are you ready?”
Daniel Wood (@danwood9): “@SA_NCB leaving
London tomorrow and looking forward to the
event next week #allyouneedisaball”
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 05
GREENING INITIATIVESat Meetings Africa 2014 - By the Event Greening Forum
As an eco company, Earth Probiotic is
committed to reducing the amount of
food waste going to landfill by providing a
food waste recycling solution that is planet
friendly and easy to use.
Why worry about food waste?Of all our production streams the biggest emitter
of CO2e is food. Generating 4,000kg/tonne food
waste produces more negative emissions than tyre
manufacturing and metal.
When food waste is dumped an additional 335kg/
tonne of CO2e is emitted with the total emissions from
plant that is prized for its water-wise and pollution-fighting
characteristics. These plants will be donated to charities
after the event. The meeting spaces include water bars,
where filtered water is served in recyclable cups.
For the first time, Green Stand Awards will be
the only awards presented to exhibitors. Exhibitors
submitted a brief motivation about their stand’s
green design principles. Stands will be judged in
Small, Medium and Large categories by an external
panel. The winners in each category will receive a
certificate and a Bokashi kit (which uses a Japanese-
inspired fermentation process to convert food waste
into compost). To encourage exhibitors to green their
stands, a Green Stand Design Workshop was hosted in
Johannesburg towards the end of 2013. The workshop
targeted both stand builders and Meetings Africa 2013
exhibitors. The Exhibitor Briefings hosted around the
country earlier this year included greening tips. These
tips were also emailed to all exhibitors
Initiatives that have been done beforeAs we have done before, we will donate re-usable
elements to charities after the show: the carpeting used
in the exhibition hall and the indigenous plants used
in the hall and on exhibitors’ stands will go to worthy
causes. The show organisers bought Renewable Energy
Certificates to power the show.
The organisers used an online Services Manual
to minimise printing of order forms, and paper use.
Executive Stand Fabric Package options were available
again this year – this encourages the re-use of exhibitors’
fabric graphics.
Service providers have pledged to do their part to be
green with regard to their involvement at Meetings Africa,
and to use green practices in their offices, where possible.
Travel agents committed to book direct flights for
visitors, and use the Gautrain and shuttle services where
• Theprocurementofgoodsandservicesis
acriticalaspect,sosupportproductsand
servicesfromlocalreputablesuppliersthat
usesustainablepractices.
• Reduce,Re-use,Recycle–considerwhereyou
canencouragewastereductionthroughoutthe
wholeprocess.
• Ensurethatyoureventhasasocial
component,suchasgivingleftoverfoodto
localdisadvantagedorganisations.
• Considerincentivesfortheuseofpublic
transport,suchasprovidingfreepublic
transportonthedayoftheeventorencourage
carsharing.
• ConsidervideoconferencingorSkype
meetingsinsteadofmeetinginperson.
• Considertheenvironmentalpolicyofthe
venueoraccommodationwhenmakingyour
bookings–thiswillneedtobespecifically
requested.
• Considerthedistancebetweenconference
venueandaccommodationtoreducetheneed
foradditionaltravel.
• Encouragetheactiveparticipationof
thedelegatesorvisitorsinthegreening
processthroughprovidinginformationon
whattheycando.
• Encouragea‘greencorner’atyourevent
thatshowcasesthegreeningpracticesand
interventionsimplemented.
• Monitor,Measure,Report–ensurethata
monitoringandevaluationprocessisinplace
toencouragebenchmarkingandidentify
lessonslearnt.
food waste thus rising to 4,335kg/tonne.
Whilst reducing food waste should be prioritised,
recycling food waste helps reduce our personal carbon
footprint by 435kg of CO2E per ton of food waste, and
ensures a safer and cleaner home/kitchen environment.
Technology:This all natural solution combines Effective Micro
organism Technology or “friendly
bacteria” coined “bokashi” and airtight digester bins
to recycle food waste. Our system
produces no methane gases and also eliminates
harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Unlike
other forms of composting, with bokashi (bran
infused micro-organisms) you can recycle
ALL food waste including cooked and uncooked
meat, dairy and small bones.
Process:The process works by layering up food waste with bokashi
in the digester bins. Once full the bin is left to stand for
two weeks. Thereafter it can be added to garden waste,
trenched (or fed to wormeries). After 6-8 weeks the
recycled food waste will have broken down completely,
and turned into a highly nutritious soil food/compost.!
1. Add bokashi to bottom of bin
2. Add one rubbish bag of food waste per layer (of
food waste)
3. Add two litres of bokashi per layer of food waste
4. Continue to layer food waste with bokashi until
bin is full
5. When full seal ring. Keep closed for two weeks
Composting:Once waste is stabilized it needs to be composted
through a compost heap/bag, worm farm or
trench gardening.
Benefits:1. Kitchens will be more hygienic with less flies and
odours.
2. Accurate wet waste figures can be calculated.
3. Up to 32% more dry recyclables can be collected
and recycled.
4. Better odour management in the waste area.
5. Continuous chemical free compost supply, if
composted on site.
6. Opportunity to build vegetable gardens and
supply own kitchens.
possible. Hosted buyers were encouraged by travel agents
to offset their own flight-related carbon footprint by
planting trees.
Hotels were required to submit an accommodation
questionnaire that covered their green practices.
The caterers will serve traditional South African
foods, made from locally-produced, seasonal and, as
far as possible, organic ingredients. There are several
vegetarian options. Seafood was approved by the
Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI),
coffee by Fair Trade, and wines come from members of
the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI). To discourage
visitors from drinking bottled water, the caterers are
selling bottled water at a premium, and the extra money
will be donated to Food & Trees for Africa. All take-
away food sold in the exhibition hall is being served in
biodegradable containers.
Exhibitors are able to buy a tree from Food & Trees for
Africa to offset their carbon footprint from attending the
show. Bokashi had a stand at the show where exhibitors
are able to buy a kit. An eco-audit is being done at the
show, with all the greening initiatives monitored and
measured by an independent consultant. The results will
be used to improve the greening of future events.
• Forthefirsttime,allplantsusedatthe
showandbyexhibitorsontheirstands
arelocally-sourcedandindigenous:Yellow
Wood;NatalMahogany;Mother-in-Law’s
Tongue.Theseplantsgrowwelloutdoors
andwillbedonatedtocommunityprojects
aftertheshow.
• Inadditiontorenewableenergybeingused
topowerthehalls,thisyearexhibitorsare
abletobuyrenewableenergytopowertheir
individualstands.Thisisthefirsttimethis
hasbeendoneinSouthAfrica.
• MeetingsAfricaisusingthebrandingfrom
lastyear’sshow.Thismeansthatlastyear’s
corporateclothingisbeingre-usedbyshow
personnel.
• Caterersontheshowflooruseorganic
wasterecycling.Kitchenstaffweretrained
tousetheBokashibinscompostingsystem
whichisbeingusedtorecycleallorganic
wasteinthekitchens.
DID YOU KNOW?
TOP TIPSFor Greening
BOKASHIthe brainchild of Earth Probiotic Recycling Solutions
South African National Convention Bureau
(SANCB) has been an early adopter of the
trend towards hosting greener events. During
recent years, it has shown its commitment
to sustainability by incorporating a number of green
practices at Africa’s largest business events show,
Meetings Africa.
The following green practices are being implemented
at Meetings Africa 2014:
New initiatives – there are a number of initiatives implemented for the first time Three green meeting spaces are included in the design
of the show. These areas are made exclusively from up-
cycled and salvaged materials: the walls and floors are
made from wooden pallets; old painted tyres are being
used as ottomans and planters; lanyards from previous
Meetings Africa shows were used for seat webbing; and
chandeliers are made from old bubble wrap. The meeting
spaces have living walls of Spekboom, an indigenous
Exhibitors are able to buy a tree from Food & Trees for Africa to offset their carbon footprint from attending the show.
“
“
04 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEwith the World
offi cial page on Facebook. Alternatively, simply visit www.
meetingsafrica.co.za to fi nd the latest news. Also, keep an
eye on SANCB’s YouTube channel: TravelTrade SA. The
SANCB understands the importance of staying in touch
and up to date with your fellow delegates and as such,
has provided a way in which to share all your exciting
experiences. We will retweet your enthusiasm, your top
tips and your business secrets as you post them and all
you need to do is include the hashtag #MeetingsAfrica14.
Don’t wait for the conference to begin to start sharing
your excitement and news. We already started the build-
up weeks ago, sharing interesting info from some of
the speakers lined up, as well as agenda updates and
fabulous competitions. So hurry, follow us, like our page
or simply bookmark our website on your smartphone in
order to capitalise on the free networking options that are
available. And don’t forget to add #MeetingsAfrica14!
1. Find the offi cial hashtag and use it. Your
tweets will be searchable and will make it
into the ‘offi cial’ event feed.
2. If you’re going to a ‘sub event’ or session,
use an appropriate ‘sub hashtag’ so others
can fi nd you.
3. Find out if speakers or companies
have Twitter handles – then start the
conversation!
4. Engage with your followers. Twitter is a
constantly evolving global conversation,
and you want to be part of it! Respond to
questions from your followers, and don’t
be shy to ask questions yourself. Meetings
Africa has a dedicated social media team
that can’t wait to engage with you!
5. Retweet, link to interesting articles and
post jaw-dropping photos! Don’t be afraid
to share your unique experience with us.
6. Check your feed and messages after-hours
to see if anyone has responded or is
engaged. How many followers did you pick
up at #MeetingsAfrica14?
BECOME A SOCIAL MEDIA GURU
As a delegate reading this, you’re at Meetings
Africa to network, to learn, to grow your
business and to invest in that of others. But
Meetings Africa 2014 is so much more than
that. It’s about communicating your fi ndings, sharing
your wealth of information and letting likeminded global
citizens know just how important this conference and
exhibition is to you. This is often quite hard with the tight
conference schedule and with 259 exhibitors, 1,709 Buyers
in total and over 10,169 meetings requests. This year, we
offer you the chance to share your experience with the
world and the opportunity to fi nd friends and potential
business partners though a few simple social mediums –
namely Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Flickr.
To see whether you’re missing an event or to fi nd out
more about what’s going on, follow @SA_NCB on Twitter
or like the South Africa National Convention Bureau’s
follow us#Meeti ngsAfrica@Meeti ngsAfrica
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TWITTERSPHEREThe Event Greening Forum (@EventGreening):
“It is very encouraging to see all the
#eventgreening principles implemented at
#MeetingsAfrica14 by @SA_NCB”
Shaun Ross (@shaunzim): “That time again -
#MeetingsAfrica14. Can’t wait!”
Visit Gauteng (@visitgauteng): “Are you ready
for the #MeetingsAfrica14 in Sandton 24-26 Feb?
Register online here – it’s an event not to be
missed. www.ow.ly/tMmCA”
Trend Media (@TrendMedia10): “We’re excited
to be attending @SA_NCB #MeetingsAfrica14
next week! 24-26 Feb at the Sandton Convention
Centre”
Rustle Rat (@RustleRat): “#MeetingsAfrica14 is
just around the corner Joburg are you ready?”
Daniel Wood (@danwood9): “@SA_NCB leaving
London tomorrow and looking forward to the
event next week #allyouneedisaball”
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 05
EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE & ENJOY JOBURG IT’S AMAZING
In its bid to leverage as much leisure tourism from
both business visitors and locals alike, Joburg Tourism
launched its “Explore, Experience & Enjoy Joburg”
destination marketing campaign, in partnership with
KayaFM, with industry partners and stakeholders in
October.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and drive
business for sites, attractions and tourism product owners
across the board - not just large operators and companies,
but for small and emerging establishments as well. The
promotion features bi-monthly outside broadcasts, weekly
interviews on business and lifestyle shows on KayaFM, as
well as a real-time, interactive online Jozi Guide at www.
joburgtourism.com and www.kayafm.co.za.
Research conducted by Joburg Tourism into the industry
earlier identified a call for more assistance from the industry
to effectively promote tourism products and services, in an
effort to maintain and grow further the market share for all
players involved.
“As the City, we have heeded that call and the launch of
the Explore, Experience & Enjoy Joburg campaign is one of
the ways in which we’re responding to the need for more
marketing – getting into people’s homes, hearts and minds
– in order to increase the footprint of the tourism sector,”
says Ruby Mathang, MMC for the City’s Department of
Economic Development.
“We’re working very closely with our private sector
partners in an effort to build awareness of our diverse
range of tourism products in Joburg, while also increasing
demand for them. The campaign features an online
platform and outdoor element. The online element is the
Jozi Guide, which will for the first time present the City with
an opportunity to market the tourism partners from a single
point,” explains Mathang.
The Jozi Guide is an interactive, dynamic map which
reflects real time events, establishments, transport and
transport timetables and many other features. This will
be updated on a daily basis and tourism partners are
encouraged to submit their events and initiatives for
uploading onto the guide to joziguide@joburgtourism.
com and joziguide@kayafm.co.za. The advantage of being
included in the Guide is that individual establishments
will be promoted extensively on Kaya FM, which has over
one million listeners daily. The Jozi Guide provides real
time updates regarding shows and exhibitions, as well as
directions, traffic and transport tips.
“Johannesburg boasts layer upon layer of fascinating
history, development and human interest stories – of
course not forgetting the leisure and lifestyle aspects of
entertainment, sports, music, arts and culture. This is a
city with a colourful past and a future filled with excitement,
potential and promise,” says Clr Mathang.
“Guided by economic development objectives of the
GDS Joburg 2040 - it’s mission of the City’s leadership to
continue positioning Johannesburg as one of the world’s
leading cities: an all year round destination, a leading
business and business events destination, and a vibrant,
cosmopolitan centre for lifestyle, leisure, heritage, the
arts, culture, entertainment, sports and mega-events. We
continue our efforts to create an enabling environment
for the tourism sector, which includes a focus on SMMEs,
assisting them with training, service enhancement to
gain accreditation and creating business linkages where
possible,” he concludes.
06 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
Meetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to present Gauteng as a premier business events destination to senior decision makers, buyers and influencers.
“
“
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 07
THE SMALLEST PROVINCEwith the Biggest Ambitions
economy, research shows that business tourists spend
much more than leisure tourists. The Bureau hopes to
harness this huge business muscle and sharpen their
offerings in the business tourism space.
“Our drive is to position Gauteng as Africa’s business
events powerhouse. We have the most sophisticated
and accessible locations and venues in South Africa,
which also boasts the largest and most organized body
of eventing industry professionals on the continent.”
Gauteng Tourism said in a recent statement.
The Bureau has, since its establishment in 2012,
coordinated and hosted major international conferences,
trade and business exhibitions and global events
like Discop Africa, One Young World, Airport Cities
Conference & Exhibition, International Council of
Management Consulting Institute, Meetings Africa, South
African Youth Tourism Conference, SAITEX, C40 Mayors
Forum and the Joburg International Motor show.
The city of Johannesburg is the preferred home to
many international science and research conferences
and its renowned universities also play a leading
role in cementing its standing as a leading business
destination of note. The Sandton Convention Centre, with
surrounding hotels and infrastructure offers one of South
Africa’s most attractive facility packages with excellent
restaurants, nightlife, international access through OR
Tambo International Airport and the Gautrain network.
The city also offers easy access to various tourists’
attractions like the Mandela Square, Lilieslief Farm, the
Apartheid Museum, Lion Park and Soweto Township.
The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau expects
to increase the province’s high-yield, business tourism
market by providing information and assistance to
meetings and incentive planners, media, corporate and
association buyers who show interest in the offerings
of its five major cities. It will work alongside business
events leaders, associations and various organisations
to provide bid, incentive and meetings support,
accommodation sourcing and will also help by lobbying
and liaising with various spheres of government as it is
the first point of contact.
According to Gauteng Tourism, the post-recession
recovery is “is likely to result in high growth levels, driven
by the rise in corporate budgets and the number of
meetings”. The global exhibition industry is also expected
to witness growth, with a shift in exhibition duration and
specialised themes primarily driven by relevance to the
host country. This shift is welcomed by both Gauteng
and the broader continent. Joburg has already shot
high in the ICCA rankings and the Bureau is supporting
municipalities and regional venues in order to bid for
larger conferences.
“In recent years, the global meetings industry has
begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination.
Meetings Africa 2014 is showcasing Africa’s diverse
offering of services and products, where African
Association and African meetings industry professionals
can partner to help transform our continent,” Gauteng
Tourism said, “Meetings Africa provides the perfect
business platform to present Gauteng as a premier
business events destination to senior decision makers,
buyers and influencers. This Pan African Exhibition offers
us the opportunity to position the Gauteng brand to
local and international professionals from the meetings,
events and business events industry with brand
exposure to over 250 exhibiting companies and over
2,500 visitors over two days.”
Gauteng may be the smallest province in South
Africa, but it is also the most populous, the
most urbanised and contributes to over a
third of the nation’s GDP. Although this is
impressive, that’s not all. Gauteng is the economic and
business hub of the country and as such, hosts some of
the best international and local events. It has a vibrant
social culture with direct links between business activities
and business tourism. Its large concentration of meetings
and events venues coupled with world-class infrastructure
and a cosmopolitan setting put it in a pole position to
leverage over the 250,000 business travellers South Africa
sees each year.
The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau focuses
on attracting big conference and events into the city
region and even President Zuma in his State of the
Nation Address, has acknowledge the importance of
growing this industry. While business tourism accounts
for about 5% of total foreign tourist arrivals to South
Africa and directly contributes almost R15 billion to the
EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE & ENJOY JOBURG IT’S AMAZING
In its bid to leverage as much leisure tourism from
both business visitors and locals alike, Joburg Tourism
launched its “Explore, Experience & Enjoy Joburg”
destination marketing campaign, in partnership with
KayaFM, with industry partners and stakeholders in
October.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and drive
business for sites, attractions and tourism product owners
across the board - not just large operators and companies,
but for small and emerging establishments as well. The
promotion features bi-monthly outside broadcasts, weekly
interviews on business and lifestyle shows on KayaFM, as
well as a real-time, interactive online Jozi Guide at www.
joburgtourism.com and www.kayafm.co.za.
Research conducted by Joburg Tourism into the industry
earlier identified a call for more assistance from the industry
to effectively promote tourism products and services, in an
effort to maintain and grow further the market share for all
players involved.
“As the City, we have heeded that call and the launch of
the Explore, Experience & Enjoy Joburg campaign is one of
the ways in which we’re responding to the need for more
marketing – getting into people’s homes, hearts and minds
– in order to increase the footprint of the tourism sector,”
says Ruby Mathang, MMC for the City’s Department of
Economic Development.
“We’re working very closely with our private sector
partners in an effort to build awareness of our diverse
range of tourism products in Joburg, while also increasing
demand for them. The campaign features an online
platform and outdoor element. The online element is the
Jozi Guide, which will for the first time present the City with
an opportunity to market the tourism partners from a single
point,” explains Mathang.
The Jozi Guide is an interactive, dynamic map which
reflects real time events, establishments, transport and
transport timetables and many other features. This will
be updated on a daily basis and tourism partners are
encouraged to submit their events and initiatives for
uploading onto the guide to joziguide@joburgtourism.
com and joziguide@kayafm.co.za. The advantage of being
included in the Guide is that individual establishments
will be promoted extensively on Kaya FM, which has over
one million listeners daily. The Jozi Guide provides real
time updates regarding shows and exhibitions, as well as
directions, traffic and transport tips.
“Johannesburg boasts layer upon layer of fascinating
history, development and human interest stories – of
course not forgetting the leisure and lifestyle aspects of
entertainment, sports, music, arts and culture. This is a
city with a colourful past and a future filled with excitement,
potential and promise,” says Clr Mathang.
“Guided by economic development objectives of the
GDS Joburg 2040 - it’s mission of the City’s leadership to
continue positioning Johannesburg as one of the world’s
leading cities: an all year round destination, a leading
business and business events destination, and a vibrant,
cosmopolitan centre for lifestyle, leisure, heritage, the
arts, culture, entertainment, sports and mega-events. We
continue our efforts to create an enabling environment
for the tourism sector, which includes a focus on SMMEs,
assisting them with training, service enhancement to
gain accreditation and creating business linkages where
possible,” he concludes.
06 / MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 ISSUE 1 www.meetingsafrica.co.za
Meetings Africa provides the perfect business platform to present Gauteng as a premier business events destination to senior decision makers, buyers and influencers.
“
“
www.meetingsafrica.co.za ISSUE 1 MEETINGS AFRICA 2014 / 07
THE SMALLEST PROVINCEwith the Biggest Ambitions
economy, research shows that business tourists spend
much more than leisure tourists. The Bureau hopes to
harness this huge business muscle and sharpen their
offerings in the business tourism space.
“Our drive is to position Gauteng as Africa’s business
events powerhouse. We have the most sophisticated
and accessible locations and venues in South Africa,
which also boasts the largest and most organized body
of eventing industry professionals on the continent.”
Gauteng Tourism said in a recent statement.
The Bureau has, since its establishment in 2012,
coordinated and hosted major international conferences,
trade and business exhibitions and global events
like Discop Africa, One Young World, Airport Cities
Conference & Exhibition, International Council of
Management Consulting Institute, Meetings Africa, South
African Youth Tourism Conference, SAITEX, C40 Mayors
Forum and the Joburg International Motor show.
The city of Johannesburg is the preferred home to
many international science and research conferences
and its renowned universities also play a leading
role in cementing its standing as a leading business
destination of note. The Sandton Convention Centre, with
surrounding hotels and infrastructure offers one of South
Africa’s most attractive facility packages with excellent
restaurants, nightlife, international access through OR
Tambo International Airport and the Gautrain network.
The city also offers easy access to various tourists’
attractions like the Mandela Square, Lilieslief Farm, the
Apartheid Museum, Lion Park and Soweto Township.
The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau expects
to increase the province’s high-yield, business tourism
market by providing information and assistance to
meetings and incentive planners, media, corporate and
association buyers who show interest in the offerings
of its five major cities. It will work alongside business
events leaders, associations and various organisations
to provide bid, incentive and meetings support,
accommodation sourcing and will also help by lobbying
and liaising with various spheres of government as it is
the first point of contact.
According to Gauteng Tourism, the post-recession
recovery is “is likely to result in high growth levels, driven
by the rise in corporate budgets and the number of
meetings”. The global exhibition industry is also expected
to witness growth, with a shift in exhibition duration and
specialised themes primarily driven by relevance to the
host country. This shift is welcomed by both Gauteng
and the broader continent. Joburg has already shot
high in the ICCA rankings and the Bureau is supporting
municipalities and regional venues in order to bid for
larger conferences.
“In recent years, the global meetings industry has
begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination.
Meetings Africa 2014 is showcasing Africa’s diverse
offering of services and products, where African
Association and African meetings industry professionals
can partner to help transform our continent,” Gauteng
Tourism said, “Meetings Africa provides the perfect
business platform to present Gauteng as a premier
business events destination to senior decision makers,
buyers and influencers. This Pan African Exhibition offers
us the opportunity to position the Gauteng brand to
local and international professionals from the meetings,
events and business events industry with brand
exposure to over 250 exhibiting companies and over
2,500 visitors over two days.”
Gauteng may be the smallest province in South
Africa, but it is also the most populous, the
most urbanised and contributes to over a
third of the nation’s GDP. Although this is
impressive, that’s not all. Gauteng is the economic and
business hub of the country and as such, hosts some of
the best international and local events. It has a vibrant
social culture with direct links between business activities
and business tourism. Its large concentration of meetings
and events venues coupled with world-class infrastructure
and a cosmopolitan setting put it in a pole position to
leverage over the 250,000 business travellers South Africa
sees each year.
The Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau focuses
on attracting big conference and events into the city
region and even President Zuma in his State of the
Nation Address, has acknowledge the importance of
growing this industry. While business tourism accounts
for about 5% of total foreign tourist arrivals to South
Africa and directly contributes almost R15 billion to the
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