Meetings SA Jan/Feb 2013

meet ings • i ncen t i ves • con fe rences • exh ib i t i ons

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“This year we’ll continue to host great exhibitions”

Craig Newman, CEO of JEC P6

Top catering trends Gauteng opportunities

IN THE HOT SEAT

RAND SHOWSpectacularSpectacular

J O H A N N E S B U R G E X P O C E N T R E

Mauritius meetings

SANDTONCONVENTION CENTRE

Johannesburg | South Africa

THAT’S WHY YOU WANT THE BEST OF BOTH.At the heart of South Africa’s business hub, the Sandton Convention Centre is the leading, most prestigious, multi-purpose exhibition and convention centre. From pre-event planning, right up to the preparation and presentation of each meal, our professional team pursues every detail to great success. World-class facilities with the latest technology can accommodate every expectation. Combine the perfect location with an outstanding team, and be assured of a winning event at the Sandton Convention Centre.

View our service offering and state-of-the-art facilities at www.saconvention.co.za

HALF THESUCCESS OF AN EVENT

IS WHERE YOU HAVE IT.HALF THE SUCCESS OFAN EVENT IS THE TEAM

THAT DOES IT.

Telephone + 27 11 779 0000 | Facsimile + 27 11 779 0001 | Email [email protected]

“Great year, great potential”Johannesburg Expo Centre’s CEO Craig

Newman

06 IN THE HOT SEAT

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013 11

C O N T E N T S

in this issue Industry InsightEd’s Insight Exciting oppor tunities in Dubai 8MICE Speak Confusing acronyms explained 10AIPC Column How to stay on top of your industry game 12Talking Points Experts tell us why going green is so important 14

Meeting PlacesMontecasino A whole lot on offer 17Venue Showcase 54 on Bath: A stylish business destination 18Regional Focus Gauteng: Fabulous conference venues 20Venue Showcase ICC Durban: 15 years and going strong 26Venue Focus City, urban, airpor t, culture: Exploring the

best of the best 28Must-see Mauritius Beauty and business 32

Event Management Service Provider Showcase ConCeptG: Design evolution 36Green Focus It’s the new black 39Catering Focus Food for thought 42Hostex Bigger and better 44

In the KnowEXSA Column The time is now 46Compex Column The future of technology 48

Reward & DevelopUSB Speaker’s Corner Paul McGee nips

procrastination in the bud 50Incentive Group Travel Just cruising 52

RegularsEd’s letter 3

Product News 54

Coming Up & Looking Back 57

Who’s Who 59

Events 60

28 What's in a venue

42 Soul food

Helen Brewer CMP is the director of the MICE Academy and co-owns Conpromark Consultants.

Edgar Hirt is president of the AIPC and MD of Congress Centre Hamburg (CCH).

Nigel Walker CMP is MD of Complete Exhibitions and chairman of EXSA.

CONTRIBUTORS

THE JOHANNESBURG EXPO CENTRE is the ultimate versatile venue. The JEC can host almost any event from exhibitions and large conferences to cocktail and themed events, and weddings for over a thousand people.

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E D ' S L E T T E R

meet ings • incen t i ves • con fe rences • exh ib i t i onsSSAA

2013 and beyond

The holidays are over and it’s back to the real world we go, which means many Sunday blues for some. But not here in the Meetings SA offices. Not with so much to look forward to

this year, what with a plethora of conferences and exhibitions on the way. Meetings Africa and EXPO Summit Africa in February. Hostex in March and the Tourism Indaba in May. These are just a taste of what’s to come in the next few months. And Meetings SA will be here every step of the way providing you will all the business tourism and MICE information you need.

The Global Business Travel Association has predicted 2013 will be a great year for the industry. This is fabulous news considering 2012 was a little bit on the slow side.

Which brings me to this issue’s highlights. As promised last year we have a beautiful four-page spread on Mauritius and the exciting business opportunities there, a focus on Gauteng’s conference offerings as well as Dubai’s recent increase in business tourism – all very informative and thought provoking.

So, here’s to a great year in the business tourism and MICE industries. I can’t wait.

Till next time,


C O V E R S T O R Y • J o h a n n e s b u r g E x p o C e n t r e • B Y J U L I A M A F C H E R

4 MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

A brand new Rand Show

Drum roll please

We’re taking the show in a completely new direction in 2013 and are very excited about the repositioning and branding,” says Craig Newman, CEO of Johannesburg

Expo Centre (JEC). After a decade in slow decline,

the Rand Show was, to put it bluntly, approaching flat line. However, when JEC bought back the show in 2009, it took them just over three short years to breathe new life into it.

“In 2010, we rejuvenated the venue,” states Newman. A R100 million-plus City of Johannesburg upgrade brought safety and aesthetics back to the Nasrec precinct, and renovations at the JEC were the most extensive in the venue’s 25-year history. In 2011, it rebuilt the audience attendance and visitor numbers went up by 40% to 245 000. Almost 15% of the visitors earned R10 000 plus a month and over 30% earned between R20 000 and R50 000. “The majority of visitors were families with children,” adds Newman.


Rethink, reinvent, repackage, retarget and relaunch. It may be a mouthful, but that’s exactly what Nasrec and the Johannesburg Expo Centre have done to make the iconic Rand Show better than before.

“Last year, we tried to and succeeded in reinvigorating the show’s entertainment. Over 85% of visitors said they were satisfied with their Rand Show experience and just less than 40% said it exceeded their expectations. An impressive 96% said the show had something

of interest for the whole family and 79% said there was more than enough on offer to make them spend an entire day at Nasrec,” highlights a proud Newman.

And now? “We’ve brought in branding consultancy Yellowwood, and its chairman Andy Rice, to plot a path to keep this heritage brand relevant. So, allow me to reintroduce you to the new Rand Show. It’s an exhibition with a new strategic approach and direction, where the focus is on quality exhibitors. It’s an exhibition that

consumers don’t just passively visit, but can participate,” describes Newman.

In 2013, JEC turns its attention to the show floor. A show isn’t passive; it’s an experience and a place where consumers and brands can interact on a level

far superior to ‘show and tell.’ The Rand Show will now include high-involvement activities, all of them underpinned by quality. “We’ll be doing this by offering consumers halls with quality exhibits from exhibitors who epitomise value for

money, innovation, luxury or self-expression,” explains Newman.

This year there’ll be structured exhibition areas that are specifically themed, these are: food & wine, local tourism and travel, home and etch, lifestyle and fashion, outdoor and public sector. The show will deliver four value propositions

to consumers:1 brands that are Value for money2 brands that are Innovative3 brands that are Luxury4 brands that are Self-expression.

There’s an exciting buzz in the air, and we can feel it. Newman concludes: “One of the biggest changes is that it will be five days as opposed to 10 days. This will allow us to have a much more impactful programme compared to past years.”

www.expocentre.co.za

A show isn’t passive; it’s an experience and a place where consumers and brands can interact

C O V E R S T O R Y • J o h a n n e s b u r g E x p o C e n t r e


I N T H E H O T S E A T

African Farmers

Workshop and Expo

The highly anticipated Johannesburg International Motor Show will be held at Johannesburg Expo Centre from 16 to 27 October 2013

Sexpo

Petrol heads at the Johannesburg

International Motor Show

The Boat and Bike Show


Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, talks about international exhibitors, joint ventures, EXSA Conference expectations and what the JEC has in store for us this year.

I N T H E H O T S E A T

Abundant opportunitiesk

CraitalkCous

In light of the tough economic climate, how do you think the South African exhibiti ons industry fared in 2012? And do you see 2013 improving? The industry amazingly remained resolute amid a constant

decline of the country's international credit rating as well as political instability and a weakening economy. However, that’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom. It’s like the saying goes: ‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’

With the South African conference industry receiving an increase

should be driven by a board that includes individuals who are completely independent and removed from the exhibition

industry. By doing so there’ll be more room for fresh ideas and it will allow for different perspectives and approaches to be implemented

into the association. Such a board will understand its mandate to drive the industry in the desired direction rather than drive their own agendas.

What does the JEC have in store for us in 2013 in terms of new exhibiti ons, exciti ng announcements, etc.? We are excited to have Automechanika on the calendar as well as the eagerly anticipated Johannesburg International Motor Show in our line up. In addition to that, we’ll continue to host great exhibitions such as Rand Show, Propak, African Farmers Workshop and Expo, Safety Show, Boat and Bike, Sexpo and numerous private functions.

www.expocentre.co.za

this opportunity and leverage it as best we can. Quality topics will attract good local and international exhibitors.

As such a small industry, how can everyone work together to make it as successful as possible?Through good, sustainable, creative partnerships and joint ventures among all the role players, as well as creating value add propositions to the market. This means collaboration between venues, organisers and service providers.

With the EXSA Conference (13 to 14 February 2013) around the corner, what are your expectati ons? What do you think EXSA should be doing to promote the exhibiti ons industry? And are they doing enough? At present, EXSA has formed a strategic partnership by aligning itself with UFI (The global association of the exhibition industry). It’s a step in the right direction; however, there’s always room for improvement. I still believe that the association

in overseas delegates yearly, how does someone increase this number in the exhibiti on space? Firstly, they have to be mindful of the fact that we’re still coming out of a

global recession, which ultimately affects budgets. The exciting part about this is that the industry as a whole will be forced to be innovative in the way in which it attracts world-class exhibitions. It’s also of great importance that through credible foreign partners we adopt aggressive yet succinct marketing campaigns. South Africa has become a very attractive and affordable world-class destination. We must take full advantage of

The industry will be forced to be innovative in the way in which it attracts world-class exhibitions

Anew year brings with it new beginnings and exciting opportunities. An upbeat Newman is positive about what’s to come. The fact that we’re still coming out of a budget-affecting global recession is, according to Newman, no reason to sit back and watch the fall. It’s an opportunity to adopt

innovative, succinct marketing campaigns and deliver out-of-this-world exhibitions.

The outdoor exhibitions and activations are always a family favourite at the annual Rand Show

Destination DubaiBlue skies, desert dunes and high-rise buildings, this techno savvy city is all the business tourism and MICE industries can talk about these days. Why? You’re about to fi nd out.


E D ’ S I N S I G H T

Dubai’s world class venues, first rate technology and outstanding infrastructure provide the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable MICE adventure. Combined with expertly

trained personnel, the city’s convention and exhibition venues have become a force to be reckoned with and include the Airport Expo Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, The Address Downtown Dubai, the Jumeriah Zabeel Saray Dubai and the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The venue that undoubtedly stands out is the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The DWTC is a leading convention centre and manages conferences and organises trade fairs used as sales platforms for leading international companies to showcase their products and offerings. The DWTC offers a variety of added benefits including

media, advertising, technical and security services, in addition to its already wide and well-established range of product offerings.

Over the years, its facilities have expanded to include the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), the Convention Tower office building as well as numerous on-site accommodation options such as the Novotel and Ibis hotels and serviced accommodation at the Dubai Trade Centre Hotel Apartments.

The 37-storey building is located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and a 30-minute drive to the new Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, currently under construction. This ensures hassle-free transfers for delegates and easy collection of cargo to and from the exhibition arenas. Major expansion work took place in 2009 and the DWTC now offers a million square feet of versatile exhibition space. As part of the expansion, the open area Palm Garden is an added feature that can be used for gala dinners or informal entertainment area as well as further restaurants and cafes that were added to the mix.

The DWTC plays an essential role in driving the successful industry of events and exhibitions in the Middle East. An impressive 10% increase in visitors was recorded during 2010 and the DWTC hosted 50% of all Dubai’s MICE events, bringing together more than 1 415 000 visitors from 155 countries and 32 781 companies from 85 countries.

It boasts a diverse range of exhibitions and expos covering a variety of topics including education, aviation, construction, food, trade

about these days. Why? You’re about to fi nd out.

An out-of- this-world conferencing experience

Towering over Dubai, the Burj Khalifa

The architectural masterpiece, Burj Al Arab

An exquisite dining experience at

Madinat Jumeirah Pierchic Restaurant


E D ’ S I N S I G H T

Various centres are now exploring new models for how risk and

reward are shared

B-BBEE Level Two Contributor

Whether you are an Association, a corporate or a professional event organiser, we believe our service and experience will enhance your event. Our professional team offers an efficient and close operational service to our clients ensuring that every aspect of your exhibition or exhibition stand is a success.

From planning and liaising with all relevant stakeholders, coordinating and managing logistics, designing and building your exhibition or exhibition stand, including furniture, audio visual, entertainment and client engagement.

We can help make your face to face marketing opportunities come to life. Where form follows function, we ensure your event meets your needs and exceeds your expectations

Contact: Dean Gunningham tel + 27 (0) 11 262 0249 cell + 27 (0) 84 909 6969 fax + 27 (0) 86 690 6951email [email protected], website www.compex.co.za

are you getting the most out of your exhibition?

Face-to-face is one of the most powerful channels...

2 decadesof professional

experience!

and logistics, with some of its leading events being GITEX Technology Week, the Arabian Travel Market, Cityscape, Dubai International Boat Show and the Dubai

International Jewellery Week. From world- class venues and excellent infrastructure to friendly locals and excellent

activities, Dubai continues to build its excellent reputation as one of the leading

MICE destinations worldwide. It offers MICE organisers a range of venues throughout the city. Next stop Dubai? Yes!

www.dwtc.com

www.dubaitourism.co.za

Duubaaii is one oofff the lleaaddingg MIICCE ddeesstinaationnns wwoorldwwiddde

The ultra modern and luxurious Meydan Hotel

You’ve just learnt one acronym when another one pops up. It’s hard to keep up, isn’t it? Not for long.

The MICE Academy provides us with in-depth explanations about the most important ones.

Event planners have a wealth of knowledge learnt by trial and error over time. In the past, there may have

been the occasional course, conference and brainstorm that could have related – in a generic fashion – to the diverse nature of organising the assignment at hand.

Many sectors of the economy have sought and succeeded in finding methods that harness an industry individual’s previous knowledge. In a number of sectors such as accountancy, health, safety, security, financial management and HR, systems have been implemented to set a standard of proven ability in improved knowledge.

The MICE industry has lagged behind. However, in an industry such as planning and organising, whether conceptual or logistically assigned tasks, there’s increasing responsibility with big-ticket budgets. A wake-up call to set a strong foundation of captured and recognised knowledge is upon us.

Here are some key acronyms for the decision-makers within the planning and organising ranks to take note of:RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)RPL has different purposes. These are:• RPL for access to undergraduate and

postgraduate study in higher education. • RPL for credits to required skills in the

workplace and updated knowledge for task improvement. Individuals undergo a process of preparation for testing and assessment, at the end of which their experience is recognised with an appropriate certificate or credit

• RPL for advancement is used to advance career or potential client opportunities with a credible portfolio.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)Ongoing knowledge updates have a number of acronyms. Whether units, credits or points, CPD is a continuous process which includes a scoring mechanism calculated per hour as one credit for knowledge gained or shared. An important aspect of CPD is the general overall improvement of the individual’s ability to provide and share solutions to perplexing issues.CATS (Credit Accumulation Transfer System)CATS is likely to become one of the most important acronyms in 2013 and beyond. It’s an arrangement whereby the diverse feature of both credit accumulation and credit transfer are combined to facilitate lifelong learning with access to advancement and/or business opportunities.

Proof that positivity is paramountHaving pinpointed the MICE acronyms that will launch salaried and independent planners and organisers into a new era of professionalism with greatly improved MICE assignments and projects, no CPD

programme can be successfully undertaken without two essential elements.A) Specific yet simple testingOver the past decade, studies have shown that merely attending a congress, conference, forum or session, and signing in and out at the door, on the pretext of receiving an attendance certificate towards credit accumulation (CATS) won’t suffice. There are a variety of reasons for these important conclusions. The main ones that have been assessed are:1) the subject matter may not extend

sufficiently to a clear understanding of the topic

2) the participant may be distracted due to a number of circumstances and not absorb the input

3) the presenter may not explain the subject under review to the point of participant comprehension.With CATS, appropriate testing incorporates and captures an outcomes-based result in keeping with sound South African RPL policies.

B) System generated & secure certification

An administrative process whereby a compliance certificate is produced, per tested participant, will be essential. Due to innovative software, the certificate can’t be duplicated and is secured within the participant’s very own log-in. This provides the credibility that can be regularly communicated to both employers and potential clients going forward.

And the winners are….CPD holds promise in two significant areas: First, the updating and implementation of new ideas, solutions or systems for the individual and, second, the sharing of pertinent

information to grow higher standards within all sectors of the Southern African MICE industry. For those industry individuals within the corporate and association or public sectors as well as the myriad of suppliers and services who participate in their CPD

programme, due reward is likely to be highly praised.

www.miceacademy.co.za

A simple break D.O.W.N.

Delving deeper into MICE acronyms

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T • M I C E A C A D E M Y • B Y H E L E N B R E W E R

A wake-up call to set a strong foundation of captured and

recognised knowledge is

upon us ?10 MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

MICE ACADEMY MEMBERS

STAND OUTFROM THE CROWD

MEDIA

CONTACT THE MICE ACADEMY FOR INCLUSION ON THE MAILING LIST: Tel +27 (0) 11 326 4000 Fax 086 725 0408 Mobile 082 820 5382 Email [email protected]

www.miceacademy.co.za

As a MICE Member commence your

Bang on trend

Aree partiti cipatiti on nummbeerss in innternaaati onal conngreessses rissing, ssstable or ggoinngg downn? According to the statistics we’ve seen they’ve gone down somewhat, but it’s not clear if this is a temporary phenomenon due to economic conditions and government restrictions or if they reflect longer term trends associated with factors like hybrid meeting participation. They’re also getting shorter, which is likely a reflection of the time pressures so many delegates are dealing with these days. The result is to create a need to be much more efficient with programmes and to extend the scope of meetings via pre and post interactions through vehicles such as social media.

Aree commpaniees andddassoociaatiti ons bbudgeetsthatt paarrti cipate in inteernaatiti onal congrrressesrisinng, sttable or goiing dowwn?? I think it’s fair to say that budgets are tighter all around due to economic conditions, and meetings will have been impacted along with

The latter is very interesting because if properly used, it can extend the life of the meeting considerably pre- and post-event and enable participants to interact more effectively

and create special-interest groups that can plan in advance, follow up after the event and

create sub-components at the event itself.

What iis beingg doneeeat cconggrresses for thhe envvironmment?? Do the so caalled ‘‘greennnmeeetinnggs’ fulfifi l whaat their nname prromisees?Sustainability is now a reality in the industry; it's not so much a topic of debate because it’s taken for granted. Convention centres are far ahead in this regard because they have always had a number of different groups to satisfy, not just clients but also owners, governments and communities who want to see greater attention to environmental standards. One of our recent surveys showed

many other areas. However, surveys show that both organisers and participants still value the experience and values of events and anticipate increasing investment once conditions improve. Everyone is looking more than ever for value and economy, and that challenges both centres and their clients to come up with more creative solutions.

What rroole do newtechhnooloogies play, fforexampplee in coongresss mannaggement? There are three areas: first, the use of on-site technologies to facilitate more efficient operations such as registration, distribution of support materials and event updates; second, the ability to enhance sessions through devices enabling greater audience participation and more sophisticated presentations; and third, delegate interactive elements like social media and locating devices for participants.

Stay on top of your industry game

Julia Mafcher chats to Edgar Hirt about the latest trends in the MICE industry when it comes to greening, budgets, international congresses, security issues and more.

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T • A I P C

that extensive environmental policies and programmes are now in place at well over 90% of member centres worldwide, meaning it’s easier for clients to access what they need for greening their meetings.

Which trrends are bbbeing obsservved concerninng securitty,, strikes andd otheer extternall infl uennces? The events of this decade have made centre managers aware of the risks and more effective in planning for these. As a result, security and crisis management plans are more rule than exception. With these in place, organisers find it easier to identify and implement their own needs. The key is to make them as unobtrusive as possible so that they don’t affect the ambiance of the event or make delegates uncomfortable.

Othher ttrrends that yyyou wouuld like to mentititi on?With finances tight all around, I think the biggest pre-occupation everyone has today is how to make the financial equation work better for all concerned. Many organisers have less in the way of resources and need additional value as well as more on-site help. On the other hand, centres – particularly those owned by governments – are less able to absorb the additional costs or reduce rental and service rates. Everyone needs to work together on greater value and efficiency and be prepared to look at new ways to share risks and rewards if the industry is to be able to continue to deliver what delegates want and what participating organisations need.

[email protected]

www.aipc.org

“Sustainability is now a reality in the industry”


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It is that time of year again! Let us raise funds that will benefit our surrounding communities. Together we can better our 2011 contribution of R70 000, which helped us feed over 1500 children for over a month

Book a conference at any of the Headline Leisure Management banqueting properties as listed below during March, April and May 2013, and we will donate R5 per delegate to the P.E.A.C.E. Foundation for the distribution of e’Pap.

Giving Back

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It’s never been a better time than now to step into the limelight. Three green gurus

tell Meetings SA why the business tourism industry should ‒ and

needs to ‒ go green.

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T • T a l k i n g P o i n t s • B Y J U L I A M A F C H E R

The big clean green machine

The Heritage Environmental Management Company operates the most successful tourism-

based environmental certification programme in Africa. They’re the sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean partner to Green Globe Certification, the world’s most successful certification programme.

The managing director, Greg McManus, says: “The business tourism and MICE sectors need to understand that going green is a necessity in today’s market. Not because it results in a more caring approach to the environment, but because it makes

future generations and investors – they won’t survive into the next generation.

“Being green is more than just changing light bulbs or planting trees. It’s a holistic approach to the way in which we’re perceived by our market place and accepted by our communities. Perhaps the most important question anyone still doubting the need

for more green business practice should ask is: ‘Can I afford to let my competitor go green first?’ The answer is a definite ‘No’,” concludes McManus.

business sense.” According to McManus, going green, or what it’s now being referred to as responsible business, is not a fashion statement or nice to have. It has become the single most important differentiator in the corporate market today. “Unless businesses

act more responsibly on all fronts – social, environmental and financial, and understand the impacts they have on their communities,

“Going green is a necessity in today’s market”


Global Carbon Exchange (GCX) is a strategic sustainability think tank that assists leaders in the private

and public sector integrate social and environmental sustainability into their organisations. Over the past six years, GCX has developed a framework that can be adopted by any size organisation, in any sector, that wishes to ensure its overall sustainability and that of its stakeholders. “Our clients are generally large, complex organisations where significant impacts can be made to address sustainable development objectives,” says Kevin James, GCX CEO.

In James’ opinion, market trends will ultimately force the tourism industry to go green. “At the moment requests by leisure and business tourists for responsible tourism is not yet mainstream. Europeans, especially Scandinavians, are more conscious, but most of the world wants to have as nice a time as possible for as little money as possible,” he adds.

“The hotel industry could


I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T • T a l k i n g P o i n t s

do a whole lot more. They, like others, are only committed to addressing low hanging fruit and few go the extra mile to take leadership position in terms of greenness. There are a couple of tour operators who’re making the effort. For them, it’s the right thing to do and enhances their brand in the eyes of foreign tourists. Safari lodges have embraced renewable energy and efficiency mostly by virtue of where they are situated, so I believe they’re greener out of necessity,” explains James.

“In order for conference organisers to reduce their carbon foot print, they need to watch procurement. We have an entire event greening guide outlining choices that can be

made resulting in less energy, waste and water usage.

“There’s so much that can be done to reduce the impact of what’s a very wasteful industry, given its transient nature. We’ve consulted too many events where we measure the impact

of the event and offset this using carbon credits and energy certificates,” he concludes.

n, market trends willhe tourism industry to go ment requests byss tourists form is not yetpeans, especially

e more conscious,world wants toe as possible y as.

watch procurement. We havegreening guide outlining cho

made resulting in less enewater usage.

“There’s so much thato reduce the impact owasteful industry, givennature. We’ve consultedevents where we meas

of the evethis usinand enehe conhe con

“Market trends will ultimately force the tourism industry to go green”

should persuade all travellers, as well as organisers of large events, to consider the necessity and mode of travel used,” explains Cole.

He adds: “When calculating an event’s carbon footprint, it’s important to remember economy class flights have a lower footprint than business class, while rail is less impactful than road. When it comes to accommodation, seek out those establishments that source green and, embrace energy efficient technologies, such as motion sensors and low-flow showerheads.”

“There are numerous information portals available to the modern traveller, allowing them to make smart decisions that reduce their impact on the planet. It’s increasingly the responsibility of all travellers (whether directly or indirectly), to consider the environmental as well as financial costs when planning a trip or attending an event.”

According to Andrew Cole, Carbon Calculated’s business development manager, travel is a major

contributor to man-made greenhouse gas emissions and travellers need to be aware of this.

“Any travel, whether for business or leisure, carries a significant carbon footprint. Depending on the class of travel and destination, a minimum of 350 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted for every thousand kilometres flown by an individual. The World Tourism Council estimates that

an average 19 kg of CO2

is emitted per hotel bed night and, of course, all forms of motorised terrestrial travel incur their own direct carbon

footprints. These combined

impacts

“Any travel, whether for business or leisure, carries a significant

carbon footprint”

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The V&A Waterfront plays gracious host to 11 conference venues offering 40 conference rooms, state-of-the-art technology and conference management teams to help you. However, it’s the little extras that make it more than just a location. It’s the magnificent mountain, endless ocean,

fresh air, alfresco dining and world-class shopping that make it a destination.~ Keep Discovering ~

For more information on the various conference venue options available, please call the V&A Waterfront Information Centre on 021 408 7600.

Business and Pleasure

A whole lot moreM E E T I N G P L A C E S • M o n t e c a s i n o

Combining hotels, conferencing, gaming and leisure is Tsogo Sun’s flagship Montecasino complex.

The offerings include a casino, shops, hotels, theatres, restaurants, and conferencing and corporate events venues, all perfectly packaged to offer you the very best in stylish entertainment options.

Visitors to Montecasino are immediately captivated by the Tuscan theme and lively buzz that’s so much a part of the experience. Add to this the ample parking and a convenient location and it’s easy to see why visitors flock to Gauteng’s premier entertainment destination..

“At Montecasino, we pride ourselves on creating truly memorable experiences, and I believe this is what sets us apart from our competitors,” says Glenn Joseph, general manager of Montecasino. “From the moment you walk through the doors, you experience sights, sounds, tastes and smells different from every other experience you might have had. From the sounds of the buskers in the streets to the sight of the breathtaking musical fountain in the Piazza, and the palpable anticipation and excitement in the casino, this is a place where your senses will be awakened, where magical memories and legendary friendships are made and where excitement and fun are combined with business and pleasure.”

Due to the large number of properties within Tsogo Sun, a sub-brand called SunConnect has been created. SunConnect is the consumer’s gateway to access and book at any one of

Tsogo Sun’s properties countrywide. It brings you a choice of 250 conference venues offering more than 53 000 m² of space, over 90 hotels with 14 500+ rooms, five theatres, 14 casinos and 300 restaurants.

Tsogo Sun’s properties range from deluxe to economy brands, including Southern Sun Hotels, Garden Court, Stay Easy, Montecasino, Gold Reef City and Suncoast Casino, to name a few.

The variety of events that SunConnect can put together for its clients is virtually limitless. Tsogo Sun has vast experience in the industry, allowing it to provide professional streamlined service, technical know-how and fresh innovative food and beverage ideas.

Montecasino offers corporates the following: • Montecasino Conference Centre – an elegant conference room that accommodates up to 120 delegates in schoolroom style seating, an executive boardroom that seats 18 guests and a private meeting room or breakaway facility for as few as six people.• Product launch facilities: These include the Il Grande Theatre, a 509-seater luxury theatre, and the Il Grande Lounge, which is able to accommodate either 200 delegates seated in banquet-style or 400 guests cocktail-style.• The 675 m² Montecasino Ballroom can

host 400 guests boardroom-style, 650 cinema-style, 400 seated

banquet or 1 000 cocktail.

• Three distinctly different Tsogo Sun hotels: The deluxe upmarket 246-room Palazzo hotel, the premier Venetian-style 194-room Southern Sun Montecasino as well as the trendy 179-room SunSquare Montecasino hotel.• The Pivot Conference Centre: A 1 400 m² conference centre with a selection of modern and well-designed venues, including two boardrooms seating eight people and one boardroom seating 16 people, the Firenza, Sienna and Livorno Rooms accommodating between 40 and 60 people with state-of-the-art technical facilities, and the Verona Suite which divisible into three seperate rooms. The total suite is 346 m² and can seat 300 people in theatre style.• La Toscana: A private multi-purpose function venue in true Italianate style, featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, coupled with sophisticated presentation equipment and stage. Ideal for corporate and special occasion event, La Toscana can accommodate 800 guests cocktail-style or 200 banquet-style • Various themed restaurants for private functions and eventsMontecasino is ideally located for local, national and international visitors, situated only a few hundred metres from the off-ramps of major highways from Pretoria, the East Rand, the West Rand, OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport.

t: +27 (0)11 367 4250

[email protected]

www.montecasino.co.za

The growth of local mixed-use precinct developments mirrors worldwide trends. There are few places as successful as the

multi-award-winning Montecasino precinct.


Located in Joburg’s trendy hot spot, Rosebank, 54 on Bath is the place to be and be seen. Combining the perfect mix of work and play, it’s become a popular watering hole

for business travellers.


V E N U E S H O W C A S E • 5 4 o n B a t h

Simple sophistication

You can almost smell the luxury as you step into the mirrored lobby with black, silver and white accents,

chic lines, and metallic and glass finishes. Sink into one of the soft grey velour couches, flip open your laptop, type in your free Wi-Fi access code, sip on a fruity cocktail and just like that you’re sorted. Well, there’s more to the hotel than that, of course. 54 on Bath, formerly The Grace in Rosebank, opened under its new name in July last year.

Two minutes away from Gautrain Rosebank station, with direct access to the Rosebank Mall and the recently revamped The Zone@Rosebank, the location is undoubtedly a drawcard. It caters for business people, and high-end foreign leisure travellers.

The rooms follow the same colour scheme as the lobby and have an air of understated elegance about them. The large executive desks with multiple plug points for phones, tablets and laptops provide the perfect work surface. And the view? Well the view is just the cherry on top of the cake. With the iconic Johannesburg skyline on the horizon, it’s enough to motivate you to get your work done so you have time to explore the city steeped in heritage and culture.

Doing business in style

54 on Bath’s stunning swimming

pool is located on the fourth fl oor

One of the hotel’s chic

executive rooms

They’ve clearly thought about everything for the business traveller. With an abundance of TV channels to choose from on the large flat screen, the first – at least eight channels – are news channels from around the world, so you’ll never lag behind.

If you’re planning an important business meeting or small to medium conference, 54 on Bath’s facilities are unsurpassed.

The hotel comprises three well-appointed and flexible meeting rooms for up to 120 guests and a boardroom for 14 located on the second floor. The hotel’s dedicated conference team will provide knowledgeable assistance in customising your event to your specific requirements and budget, from intimate business meetings, high-level conferences and cocktail parties to breakfast presentations and executive boardroom requirements.

The executive chef will consult on special menus and catering to ensure that your event is a culinary success. 54 on Bath’s meeting and events team can coordinate and assist with other audio-visual or technical services from their network of preferred suppliers. You can be sure their technology is of the highest standard.

Known for its delectable, indulgent cuisine, Level Four Restaurant plates up five-star meals without pretence. The food is classical with contemporary, local influences. The scrumptious continental breakfast buffet can be accompanied with a divine a la carte hot breakfast. Lunch is a light, casual indoor or al fresco affair. Dinner, being the star of the show, is the perfect way to impress a potential client.

The stylish Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar keeps an array of local and international bubbly, cocktails and wines, with some moreish nibbles to snack on. Overlooking the lush terrace garden, it’s an ideal business get together, pre-dinner drinks and evening sundowners venue.

If a comfort break is what you need and exercise what you love, then a visit to a top-class fitness club, a few minutes walk from the hotel, will clear your mind. Another relaxing option is to take some time out by the outdoor pool overlooking Johannesburg’s tree-lined streets.

Sounds like a business traveller’s paradise? Well it just might be.

www.54onbath.com

Breakfast is served in the

well-known Level Four Restaurant

Stylish and contemporary, the rooms are perfect for a good night’s rest

oking Johannesburg’s

traveller’s paradise?

The lobby sets the hotel’s luxurious

and elegant ambience

The hotel provides stylish

conferencing and boardroom

style facilities



R E G I O N A L F O C U S • G a u t e n g • BY J U L I A M A F C H E R

The Highveld, the big smoke, Egoli, whatever you choose. The highest

population means the business tourism and MICE industries

are booming. From inner city sanctuaries to luxury hotels and indoor arenas, the options are endless.

Go big in Gauteng

A golden opportunity

A beautiful night time view of the FNB Stadium and Joburg’s skyline in the background

The iconic Nelson Mandela statue at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City


M A B U L A G A M E L O D G ER E G I O N A L F O C U S • G a u t e n g

You’ll know you’re in South Africa when you land at the country’s busiest airport, OR Tambo

International Airport in Johannesburg. Lions and giraffes you won’t see, that’s a short drive away, but a melting pot of cultures, loud chatter, laughter and warm smiles is what you will come across. Everyday hundreds of business people make Gauteng their conferencing venue of choice.

With conferences, exhibitions and events on the increase, there is a greater need for large venues. “The Coca-Cola dome is the largest indoor multipurpose venue in Southern Africa, renowned for staging high-quality performances and events. Its versatility and flexibility is evident in its capacity which ranges from 19 000 full standing to 13 000 for a seated concert or event,” says Warren Green, commercial manager at the Coca-Cola dome.

Since its opening in 1998, the Coca-Cola dome has hosted some of the world’s greatest super stars. Attie van Wyk from Big Concerts says: “The Coca-Cola dome is Big Concerts’ venue of choice for live music and entertainment in Gauteng. The enormous

capacity – it beats London’s Wembley Arena by more than 5 000 – state-of-the-art equipment, highly efficient and friendly personnel, and an exceptional ability to host major events, have impressed the countless international production crews we’ve hosted at the venue over the years.”

According to Green, the venue can be customised to host virtually any type of event, from product launches and mega concerts to exhibitions and intimate banquets. “There are very few venues that can offer the same maximised diversity and

variety under one roof like we do. This versatility allows us to always meet our clients’ needs, whatever they may be.” When it comes to catering for big

events, the dome’s services are contracted out to specialised catering companies to assist clients with their specific requirements. They have two different catering suppliers: Risk Catering for the food courts and Account Catering for their cocktail and banquet menus.

“We saw a huge number of visitors pass through different events and the annual expos grew significantly last year – great in a tough economic climate!” adds Green.

For smaller to medium-sized conferences and functions in Gauteng, hotels are a great option. According to Darryl Erasmus, director sales and marketing for InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Portfolio, both the Holiday Inn Sandton and Crowne Plaza in Rosebank enjoyed increased interest from international corporate, NGO and leisure business in

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The Coca-Cola Dome in North Riding is a popular concert and

exhibitions venue

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2012. “While the year was yet again a challenging one, the general improvement in demand towards the latter part of the year was well received,” says Erasmus.

The Holiday Inn Sandton’s conference facilities were extended in 2011, “and the benefit of this conversion and extension is now in full swing,” adds Erasmus. “The location, ease of access and quality of product and service has led to the new 300-seat venue’s high demand and use.” The Crowne Plaza Rosebank remains one of the more upmarket meeting and events hotel in the area and regularly hosts high-end publicised events.

One of the biggest unique selling points for both hotels is their location. Not only are they easily accessible from all major road networks but with the Gautrain a mere few minutes away from each, their convenience has been further enhanced. “Both globally recognised brands, we find that a number of international organisations are comfortable booking unsighted as their familiar with the worldwide standards in service and product quality,” says Erasmus.

The Holiday Inn Sandton currently offers 10 conference and meeting venues and the Crowne Plaza Rosebank has seven. Both can accommodate meetings from 12 seat executive boardrooms up to 300 people in the largest venues. “Location, stringent global standards and true South African hospitality, why wouldn’t we be your Gauteng venue of choice,” Erasmus concludes.

Sharon Hunink, sales manager at the Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre, says that although the venue is a well-known conference and event destination with a wealth of experience, they need to recognise the need to be innovative in order to remain an industry leader. “With this is mind, we’re constantly upgrading the 24 multipurpose conference venues – which can seat up to 2 000 delegates on any given day – to ensure client requirements are met and exceeded,” she adds.

A new addition to the venue is the Mowana Spa, which can accommodate up to 84 people at one time. It can be incorporated into your conference package as a leisure team building activity. “This is ideal for our corporate companies that are embracing staff wellness as part of their company philosophy,” says Hunink.

When asked about the most successful events, Hunink says: “Undoubtedly the SAACI annual congress in July. It’s not easy to impress 250 hoteliers, but our team

excelled and delivered a world-class event enjoyed by all.”

How about holding a conference in the middle of Johannesburg’s historical city centre? Or in one of the city’s leafy northern suburbs? The Forum Company comprises two world-class venues, The Forum The Campus in Bryanston and The Forum Turbine Hall in Newton. The Forum The Campus is a leading five-star conference and event venue that provides not only star-quality technology but exceptional food and exquisite decor too. The green, lush and beautiful outside

areas are perfect for stylish events under Bedouin tents and the trendy cocktail bar can accommodate up to 200 guests.

The Forum Turbine Hall is an artistic and cultural venue perfect for private and corporate events. This five-star venue, which started out as a power station in the late 1920s, forms an integral part of the

city’s architectural history and is a coveted urban chic facility. Gautrain park station is a five-minute walk from the venue, making its location a

huge drawcard. The Forum Company is also highly rated

for its phenomenal food. Kim Roberts, The

M A B U L A G A M E L O D G ER E G I O N A L F O C U S • G a u t e n g


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The Crowne Plaza Rosebank is a stylish hotel frequented by business travellers

The Holiday Inn Sandton’s location is

a major drawcard


R E G I O N A L F O C U S • G a u t e n g

Forum Company’s operations director, is known for her innovation, creativity and ability to develop signature dishes that match The Forum brand and style. “I am a passionate foodie. I love everything about the process of making the perfect dish. At The Forum we’re fortunate enough to be given daily challenges of a vast array of events where we can create this art for our clients,” says Roberts.

It’s up to you. Small, medium or large, as the business heartbeat of South Africa Gauteng is filled to the brim with amazing conferencing opportunities.

CONFERENCING

TRAINING

FUNCTIONS

TEAM BUILDING

011 668 3000 [email protected]

Useful contacts

The Coca-Cola dome

www.coca-coladome.co.za

The Holiday Inn Sandton & Crowne Plaza Rosebank

www.ichotelsgroup.com

The Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre

www.indabahotel.co.za

The Forum Company

www.theforum.co.za

The Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre

offers great views and conferencing amenities

Both The Forum The Campus in

Bryanston and The Forum Turbine Hall in Newtown provide world-class catering

and facilities


After 15 years of delivering world-class hospitality and service to its clients, the Durban ICC has established itself as South Africa’s foremost international convention centre. Here’s a closer look into its fabulous facilities.

Here’s to another 15 years

V E N U E S H O W C A S E • D u r b a n I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n C e n t r e

View of the Durban ICC and the on-site

Hilton Hotel

The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) was the first international convention centre in South Africa and it celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2012. “This is a huge milestone

for us. Durban’s growth in the business tourism sector over the past fifteen years has the Durban ICC to thank,” says Julie-May Ellingson, CEO of the Durban ICC. The Durban ICC has cemented its position as a catalyst for economic growth in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

The Durban ICC comprises six convention halls that are interlinked but separate. Operable walls allow for a number of different venue configurations. The operable walls are sound dampened, which means when conferences are held concurrently the sound is restricted between venues. Alternatively, the halls can be opened up to form one large venue with seating for up to 10 000 delegates in plenary in 11 600 m2 of column-free floor space. Together with the adjacent Durban Exhibition Centre, the Durban ICC offers up to 33 000 m2

of conference and exhibition space – the biggest in Africa. The ICC and Exhibition Centre can function independently, or together as an island site, with the closing of Walnut Road between the two centres providing easy access for delegates.

Besides the world-class conferencing facilities, the Durban ICC’s delectable cuisine is well-known. “We provide a range of contemporary European cuisine and also specialise in Indian and Pan-African cuisine. For example, we have a specialist Indian chef on staff catering for both mainstream events and for many of the more than 100 top-end Indian weddings hosted annually at the Durban ICC,” highlights Ellingson.

“It’s great to see continuous growth and success. The Durban ICC serves as an economic multiplier by hosting

Plenary session at the Durban ICC

The Durban

ICC Arena

Celebrating conferencing excellence

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events at the centre; hotels, guest houses, restaurants and the retail sector benefit as well,” explains Ellingson. “Our unique selling point is undoubtedly our versatility. The Durban ICC is able to host large and small and very complex events, and can accommodate almost any of the varied requirements of our clients,” Ellingson adds. “A landmark achievement for the Durban ICC was the hosting of the COP17/CMP7 Climate Change Conference in November 2011. We hosted approximately 15 000 visitors and delegates and organised more than 2 500 separate meetings. As one of the largest and most complex global events, the positive feedback we received was phenomenal.”

The Durban ICC achieved three significant milestones in 2012. In addition to achieving our 15-year milestone, the centre was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference

Centre’ by the World Travel Awards for the 11th time in 12 years. The third milestone was the record-breaking financial results and performance indicators for the 2012 financial year where the centre generated a record R237.08 million in revenue, contributing R3.11 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) and creating direct and indirect employment for 9 327 people as a result of the Durban ICC’s activities. Ellingson adds: “Durban ICC is the best performing convention centre in the country. It’s made

a cumulative contribution to GDP of R14.5 billion over the last

six financial years, and has

put Durban firmly on the global

conferencing map.

These results demonstrate the tremendous contribution the centre has made to the economic prosperity of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, and reflects the success of the Durban ICC as a municipal entity run as a commercial enterprise, while significantly contributing to the city’s developmental goals.”

So, what exciting events are lined up for the Durban ICC in 2013? “Among the many national events there are a number of international conferences, including the 6th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Pan African Conference, the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, the 2013 Sport and Event Exchange Conference, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Conference, the World Association for Co-operative Education Conference and the 19th International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises.

“Not to mention the perennial favourites, including Indaba 2013, the House and Garden Show and the Mama Magic Baby Expo,” concludes Ellingson.

www.icc.co.za


Outside courtyard meeting at the Durban ICC

Live entertainment at the Durban ICC Arena

Delectable culinary delights

The Durban ICC Arena Foyer

V E N U E S H O W C A S E

M E E T I N G P L A C E S • C i t y , u r b a n , a i r p o r t , c u l t u r e

Whether you’re a city slicker or culture vulture ‒ and location is your number one priority ‒ you’re in for a real treat as Meetings SA explores the top local conferencing venues and facilities.

When choosing a type of venue for a conference, event or function, it’s okay to be picky. Location is often

a deciding factor. With petrol as high as it is, it may be a good idea to host your conference at a venue close to the airport for out of town or overseas delegates.

Ashlyn Griffiths, Protea Hotel OR Tambo’s marketing plan coordinator, says the hotel’s number one drawcard is undoubtedly its location. The hotel recently hosted the inaugural SATTIC (South African Travel & Tourism Industry Conference), and what a success it was.

With an airport hangar theme throughout and a spectacular view of planes landing

City, urban, cultural and close-to-airport venues


Protea Hotel OR Tambo’s spacious conference facility

The Westin Cape Town’s

uniquely modern conference room

29MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

“Our conference venues provide top technical

facilities, and rooms can be tailor-made according to the

event organiser’s requirements”

are venues with historical and cultural importance with entertainment facilities on their door step. One such venue is Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto. It’s the country’s first township entertainment centre and attracts both local and international visitors with its variety of outlets suitable for traders and event coordinators.

The Square embraces South Africa’s unique historical background – local culture at its best, combined with contemporary urbanisation showcasing the country’s cultural melting pot. Besides the 10 retail stores, six commercial offices, banks and

service providers, The Square comprises a four-star hotel and three-storey multi-purpose hall to suit any function and event.

The Venue @ STIC (The Soweto Tourism Information Centre) is located within The

Square, the site where the historic Congress of the People convened in 1955 to sign the Freedom Charter. It’s operated and managed by the

Johannesburg Tourism Company and is a world-class, versatile, all-purpose venue perfect for medium-sized conferences and seminars, cocktail functions, themed dinners and product launches. The standard conference equipment includes handheld microphones, screens, flip charts and notepads.

The visitor services officers at Soweto Tours and Accommodation can advise, plan, and book tours as well as accommodation for delegates in and around Soweto. Over 50 homely and cosy B&Bs in the area provide excellent, yet affordable packages.

If you’re someone who likes to be in the thick of things, surrounded by the hubbub

and taking off, you’ll feel as if you’re in the airport, with the added luxuries of course. “We offer a complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the airport for guests and delegates on short-term stays,” Griffiths adds.

She continues: “Our conference venues provide top technical facilities, and rooms can be tailor-made according to the event organiser’s requirements. For medium to large conferences, the hotel offers a finger breakfast with tea and coffee. Delegates will often stay overnight, and in this case a buffet style dinner is served as well as breakfast the next morning.”

Conferencing doesn’t have to, as some people may think, take place in cold windowless halls with rows of never-ending tables and chairs. In fact, gaining popularity


Beautiful views of the

planes at Protea Hotel OR Tambo

The grandeur of the Westin Cape Town

Wake up to the sound of a jumbo jet fl ying overhead ...Wake up to the sound of a jumbo jet fl ying overhead ...

... Just kidding! However, our pristine, four-star hotel is conveniently just minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport. We offer the

seasoned traveller a modern, comprehensively equipped environment in which to conduct business as well as quiet, comfortable rooms in

which to rest. Among many other facilities, we also offer complimentary shuttles to and from the airport and Rhodesfield Gautrain Stations,

giving you easy access to Sandton and Pretoria.

Whether you’re stopping over or have an extended business stay ahead, Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport has it all!Whether you’re stopping over or have an extended business stay ahead, Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport has it all!

Hope to see you soon!Hope to see you soon!Cnr of York & Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park • PO Box 1325, OR Tambo International, 1627

Tel: (011) 977 2600 • Fax: (011) 977 2601 • Fax to e-mail: 086 555 1621 Ext.720

[email protected] • www.proteahotels.com/phortambo


of popular restaurants, bars and shopping centres, then a city or urban venue is ideal. With the majestic Table Mountain on one side and the working harbour on the other, The Westin Cape Town is a much talked about conference venue. It’s conveniently located at the gates of the country’s biggest tourist attraction, the V&A Waterfront and is within easy walking distance from the CBD’s popular cultural and commercial attractions. It’s an approximately 20-minute drive from the Cape Town International Airport and less than 45 minutes to the Cape’s exquisite wine routes.

The 483 rooms are fully equipped for the business traveller with a voicemail message system, wireless internet connection, ISDN lines for computer and fax machines, modem points and satellite TV. The Westin Cape Town’s outstanding conference facilities feature 11 individual venues accommodating from 12 to an impressive 600 delegates. All venues are fully air conditioned – a much needed feature in the Mother City’s hot summer days – with only the best audiovisual equipment on offer.

In December last year The Westin Cape Town unveiled its R6.5 million enhanced executive offering with seven new state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Eben Nel, executive assistant manager at The Westin, says the rooms were developed in response to the shortage of executive boardrooms in the Cape Town CBD area.

“This development showcases The Westin’s continued leadership in meeting changing executive needs, with extensive use of the latest audiovisual technology, natural light and eco-friendly facilities,” says Nel.

A further high-speed wireless internet upgrade of IT infrastructure to the value

of R2.4 million has also been undertaken. Nel notes that with their modern look and feel, the rooms are designed to cater for executive board meetings, strategy sessions and executive retreats. “The rooms are a place to let your creativity

flow and be truly outcome based.”

The rooms range in size from 17 m2 to 52 m2 and can cater for between six and 14 people.

For ambience, the rooms rely on natural lighting with six of them having full-length glass walls.

The Westin Cape Town offers uncapped high speed Wi-Fi as a standard to delegates and the new meeting rooms have 50 to 60 inch LCD screens, built in video projectors and screens, adjustable light settings as well as nearby access to a fully-fledged business centre. The hotel’s World of Wine

shop provides only the finest boutique wines, for conference goodie bags, in beautiful packaging. The Westin Clutter-Free Meetings helps planners and guests stay organised and productive with an open room design and layout, and socially conscious amenities. Streamlined stations provide paper, pens, glasses, water and other thoughtful touches, keeping the main working area uncluttered and in order.

What’s more, the Cape Town International Convention Centre is a hop, skip and jump from the hotel, making it the perfect delegate stopover.

It really is all in the venue. Take your time, choose wisely and enjoy the fantastic conference venues around South Africa today.

For a tour around Walter Sisuluaround Walter Sisulu and kliptown

Please call (011) 945 2200 (011) 945 2200 or visit or visit www.waltersisulusquare.co.zawww.waltersisulusquare.co.za


Useful contacts

Protea Hotel OR Tambo

www.proteahotels.com/ortambo

Walter Sisulu Square

www.waltersisulusquare.co.za

The Westi n Cape Town

www.westi ncapetown.com

“The rooms are a place to let your creativity fl ow and be truly outcome based”

The historical Walter Sisulu

Square in Soweto

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 201332

M E E T I N G P L A C E S • M a u r i t i u s • BY J U L I A M A F C H E RMMM EEEEEEMM EEM EM EE EEE TTTE TE T I NI NNNI NI N GGGGG P LP LPP LP LL A CA CA CA CCCAA E SE SE SSEE • M aM aM aaaaaaM u ru ru ru ruu r i tttttti ii uuui uuui u ssssss • BYYBYBBYYBYB JJJJJJ UUU LU LU LLU LU LUU L I AI AI AAII AI A MMM A FFAAA CC HC HC HCCC HC H E REE RE RR

A breathtaking view of Sugar Beach and its surroundings

M E E T I N G P L A C E S • M a u r i t i u s

It’s known for vast white sandy

beaches, clear turquoise water and lush green

forests, but there’s more to the spectacular

island than that. A business meeting

in tropical paradise? Yes please.

M EM E TEE I NN GGG P L A CA C E SE S •

Mauritius in all its splendourinflux of big corporates, including South African companies, holding conferences, business meetings, as well as reward staff with an incentive travel trip. It’s easy to see why. The conference facilities are as exceptional as the hotel itself. The 294 m2

elegant conference room can be quickly and conveniently divided into three separate venues, with an adjoining veranda and open terrace. The venue can host up to 350 people and only the best audiovisual equipment is provided – complimentary. If you wish to work on your tablet, smartphone or laptop in your room, Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost.

The Sugar Beach team prides itself on experience and professionalism in the

events sector. The team will propose different event packages depending on the size and budget of your business. Golf and

business go hand in hand and guests at Sugar Beach have preferential access to the stunning Le Touessrok Golf Course a few minutes away. Designed by Bernhard Langer, this par-72 championship course is the perfect deal making setting. Also at preferential green fees, the new 18-hole par-72 championship Tamarina Golf Club is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. The facilities at this Mauritian resort offer many possibilities for your group to unite

Towards the end of last year I was invited by Sun Resorts – represented by World Leisure Holidays in South

Africa – to review three of its fabulous Mauritius resorts and conference facilities and, of course, some of the island too. Arriving from a chilly Johannesburg, the heat, although a tad humid, was welcomed with a smile.

The first stop was Sugar Beach on the island’s west coast. This five-star hotel is in an ideal location, within easy reach of the shopping centres of Port Louis and Curepipe; Rivière Noire is also close by for easy access to deep sea fishing excursions. Sugar Beach residents have privileged access to the amenities at neighbouring La Pirogue Hotel and vice versa.

The kilometre of white silky soft beach and still turquoise sea took my breath away. Mauritian hospitality is unlike any other country in the world and waiting for me at the entrance to the hotel was a cold face towel and delicious fruit cocktail – mini umbrella and all. I was introduced to Andrew Slome, the general manager, who, over dinner at the contemporary seafood restaurant Tides (divine by the way) explained Sugar Beach’s excitement at the increase in business tourism to the hotel.

In recent months, the resort has seen an


In recent months, Sugar Beach has seen an infl ux of corporates holding

conferences



through sports and recreational activities organised by the Sugar Beach team. These include tennis tournaments, croquet, pétanque, beach volleyball, kayaking, fun boats, glass-bottomed boats, diving, deep-sea fishing, golf initiation, catamaran cruises, and many more. Specifically for MICE events, the Sugar Beach team offers fun teambuilding exercises and games such as sack races, mask and tuba relay race or even the very entertaining potato hunt.

Renowned for their themed evenings, Colonial Gala, Mauritian and Blanche Jazz will have your team dancing all night long.

Business trip it may be, but we all need a bit of pampering every now and then. The Aura Spa, located on the Sugar Beach property, can be used by guests of La Pirogue too. Entering the spa is like discovering an exotic sanctuary, so far removed from the world we know. Sweet smells, chirping birds and lush tropical plants

will instantly calm those tight ‘I’ve been in one too many business meetings’ shoulders. For the ultimate relaxation try the deluxe Hammam treatments including an exotic black soap massage.

Two nights later and a hop, skip and a jump away – or a golf cart ride away – I arrived at the beautifully authentic Mauritian resort La Pirogue. I know I was being lazy by not walking, but my body was so weary from my hour-long massage.

Nestled in gorgeous greenery along a phenomenal stretch of white sand, La Pirogue celebrated 35 years of quality service with authenticity and charm in 2011. The hotel is one of the few originals on the island; in fact it was the first on the west coast, and offers a genuine Mauritian experience to visitors.

From the architecture, indigenous palm thatch and volcanic rock, to the food – tandoori specialities and spicy curries – the hotel has stuck to its roots. Kitted with all the amenities of a five-star resort but without the pretension, La Pirogue is the perfect place to get away from the flashy suits and high-rise buildings of the city.

The resort features two conference rooms: the Sesame room on the third floor of the

A direct pathway to the silky soft sand from Sugar Beach

The magnifi cent rim pool at La Pirogue

Join in some traditional sega dancing

A spectacular view of Le Touesrok golf course

Take some time out in Sugar Beach’s Aura Spa

Fishing is one the many teambuilding

activities the resorts offer


main reception building is 250 m2 and can accommodate 225 people and the Muscade room on the first floor is 315 m2 and can accommodate 130 people banquet style.

Enjoy a casual business snack or lunch at the beach bar or something more formal at Paul and Virginie. An added bonus: all amenities and restaurants are shared with Sugar Beach next door, so dining options are endless.

I wish I could’ve have spent more than one night at La Pirogue; time just flew by without me taking enough advantage of the rolling lawns. But not to fret, I had something completely different but just as beautiful waiting for me in the form of Long Beach resort on the island’s east coast.

Long Beach is chic and stylish and provides a modern twist on authentic Mauritian architecture. An apt name for the resort, Long Beach is situated on the longest stretch of soft sandy beach in Mauritius – 7 km of endless beauty. The open spaces, two swimming pools and six restaurants make it the perfect venue for a large group. There’s even a nightclub for

those who want to party after dinner and cocktails. The 110 m2 function room has the latest communication and entertainment technology, and Wi-Fi and 1024k broadband are available.

I was wined and dined on my second, and final night by the charming general manager, Nicolas de Chalain, at the resort’s Japanese restaurant Hasu. After a delicious

dinner of an uncountable number of courses, each more delicious than the next, I headed off

to Tides Pool & Beach Bar for some cocktails and karaoke. A couple of hours later, the yawning began and off to my luxurious bed I went.

Long Beach, Sugar Beach and La Pirogue are a long way from ordinary, in fact the entire island is spectacular with sights I can swoon over again and again. There’s no reason why a business or incentive staff trip shouldn’t be on the cards.

Book through World Leisure Holidays at

w ww.wlh.co.za

Long Beach's vast open spaces make it the perfect venue for a large group

How to get thereAir Mauritius should be your first port of call when travelling to the island. With a recent increase in flights to and from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town to Mauritius, the airline and destination continue to grow in popularity.

www.airmauritius.com


A beautiful function set up at Long Beach

Hasu restaurant at Long Beach creates one-

of-a-kind dishes

Refreshing apéritif at La Pirogue

Tides at Sugar Beach is the perfect sundowner spot

Lunch with a view at Long

BeachThe rooms at Long Beach epitomise luxury and elegance

The exhibition and event industry is constantly evolving in order to keep up with contemporary design and technology trends. The A successful exhibition and event

product begins and ends with the design phase. Design is present

everywhere – in advertising, products, services and experiences – and it plays a crucial role in everything we use and perceive, giving us form and function. In contemporary terms, design develops business models.

Design involves strategic planning and creative vision, design ‘thinking’ and innovation. The creativity element is the producing of new ideas and concepts, approaches or actions and the innovation is the process of generating and applying such creative ideas and concepts in a specific context.

As technology is rapidly developing, exhibition and events stand designers and manufacturers are required to step up to the plate, research and observe, then update their focus with respect to the design of their product. If we don’t do the research and observation, we won’t know how and what to create.

In the design studio of ConCept G Exhibitions & Events, we have a unique and specialised set of skills, going beyond the ordinary, where we think smart, creative and novel. Success comes with taking risks. Our design team excels when they have a working concept of ‘people behaviour’ – in the

Design deity

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • C o n C e p t G E x h i b i t i o n s & E v e n t s • B Y G I L L G I B B S

The exhibition and event industry is constantly evolving in order to keep up with contemporary design and technology trends. The survivors are the companies that are most adaptable to change.

Tips and tricks of the trade from ConCept G Exhibitions & Events

Asuccessful exhibition and event product begins and ends with the design phase. Design is present everywhere – in advertising, products, services and experiences – and it

plays a crucial role in everything we use and perceive, giving us form and function. In contemporary terms, design

develops business models. Design involves strategic planning and creative

vision, design ‘thinking’ and innovation. The creativity element is the producing of new ideas and concepts, approaches or actions, and the innovation is the process of generating and applying such creative ideas and concepts in a specific context.

As technology is rapidly developing, exhibition and events stand designers and manufacturers are required to step up to the plate, research and observe, then update their focus with respect to the design of their product. If they don’t do the research and observation, they won’t know how and what to create.

36 MEETINGS SA | JUL/AUG 201336 MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

Above: Design meets innovationBelow: Design meets greening: COP17 – the Siemens Sustainable Africa Cities Roadshow 2011

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T

that of the standard 50 watt down light, it’s an environmentally friendly solution. Low-voltage LED strip lighting, with or without interchangeable

colour, is hot on the trail. LED lights have sustainable and environmental benefits. Not

only do they last 10 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb, they’re

four times more efficient too. LED lights also use between 50 and 80% less energy than an incandescent bulb and are considerably less expensive to operate. A single

18 watt LED light can replace a 75 watt

incandescent light and save 570 kWh of energy during its lifetime. LED lights are also smaller and lighter than incandescent light bulbs and therefore use less storage space.

Less is more and the current trend in design is

minimalistic, with lighting as a key factor. There are two key elements to

a good stand design: lighting and graphics or branding. Angles, shapes, ovals and curves are being more widely explored with particular reference to bespoke design solutions. Colour is definitely key to completing the mood of a successful, impactful and memorable design solution. Emphasis is also being placed on furniture elements with the use of shape and colour to set the mood of the stand.

Great thinking and great ingredients realise good design. At ConCept G, we evoke the fundamental craft of design. Great design is timeless and we need to constantly upgrade the specialised tools in our creative minds.

www.conceptg.co.za

fluorescent lighting, or the fabric can be front lit to highlight the image. The effect is profound: a large continuous panoramic image, back lightex fabric as the printing substrate lit from within the structure. The graphic will be suitably enhanced. The use of fabric on a design stand creates the sense that the stand is open, clean and inviting.

The benefit of using fabric is that prints can be washed and reused. Fabric is also easily folded and doesn’t require large amounts of space for storage. It has a much longer lifespan than of printed vinyl graphics.

Metal is becoming a more frequently used material in the exhibition arena. Its sustainable properties and strength make it last longer.

Chipboard is a light weight and eco-friendly product manufactured by adhering unwanted or recycled wood particles together under heat and pressure. This creates a rigid board with a relatively smooth surface. ConCept G Exhibitions & Events uses chipboard that’s locally manufactured, therefore further reducing the carbon footprint of our designs.

We also make use of glass because it never loses any of its quality and purity and the same panels of high quality glass can be reused. The recycling process of glass uses less energy and produces less pollution, as opposed to manufacturing new glass from raw materials. Glass

has a longer lifespan than similar materials and can be easily reused, recycled and stored. We make use of low voltage LED down lights and while the initial investment costs more than

Who we areIn the design studio of ConCept G Exhibitions & Events, we have a unique and specialised set of skills, going beyond the ordinary, where we think smart, creative and novel. Success comes with taking risks. Our design team excels when they have a working concept of ‘people behaviour’ – in the design briefing and brainstorming session, we discuss and find the context that allows the designers to conceptualise their ideas by reflecting on what people want and use.

Elements such as line, shape, texture, colour, form, space and direction give life to our designs.

Our design team is encouraged with respect to observation, research, experimenting and open-minded thinking, all of which provide the design fuel for new concepts and thinking out of the box. We take the risks and learn from our mistakes. We never stop being curious and always desire to learn more, always questioning and keeping the child inside of us alive:

Touch technology is increasingly utilised through mediums such as touchscreens, iPads, tablets and slates. Energy efficient LCD screens, along with the family of tablet technology used to convey messages and information, help reduce energy costs and to restrict the use of paper and ink used for printing.

Apps can be specifically developed for the relevant exhibition or event.

Going greenThere’s a growing inclination towards sustainable design solutions with respect to ‘greening’ and our industry has become more aware of the impact and influence we have on our environment. ConCept G Exhibitions & Events is one of the few exhibition companies that are members of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).

The aim of the EGF is to promote and embrace sustainable and ethical business practices within the exhibition and events industry in South Africa. The EGF was established through the dedication and support of the industry associations recognised as founding members.

Trendy approachCurrent trends, with regards to design elements, include the use of fabric, which is both a lightweight and a sustainable solution as it may be used more than once. Fabric can be backlit on an exhibition stand, which enhances the graphics, using low voltage

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trend in design is minimalistic, with lighting as a

key factor


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Looking towards greener pastures

Greening is a daunting prospect for some. Time and money? Yes. But greener on the other side it certainly is. We speak to companies that’ve already taken the eco-friendly plunge.

buildings, resulting in an impressive reduction of over 14 million kilowatts in energy. This comes to a saving of nearly R12 million in annual utility costs.

Presently an innovator in environmentally friendly and energy efficient construction, Growthpoint has earned two coveted ‘as built’ four-star Green Star energy ratings for different office developments in KwaZulu-Natal. “Reducing clients’ energy consumption, and therefore their costs, while improving the working environment, makes sense both ecologically and economically,” adds Pienaar.

Essop Basha, head of Growthpoint’s dedicated utilities division, says: “The lighting retrofit for the office portfolio reflects the sustainability policy that’s at the core of our ethos.” Upgrading all the light fittings is only the start of much bigger things to come.

Pienaar concludes: “It’s important to keep the ultimate objective in mind that it’s not just to offer energy efficient buildings, but buildings that are sustainable and vibrant offering perfect accommodation for people to achieve their full potential and for businesses to thrive.”

From office blocks to luxury hotels, options are limitless when it comes to greening. The Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre in the Mother City is seeing superb results from its extensive green conferencing programme. “It’s the hotel’s responsible tourism initiatives that have helped position it as a leader in the conference industry,” says Jacqui Williams, general manager of The Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre.

She continues: “In September 2009 we appointed a ‘green team’ that drives the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, consisting of representatives from all our departments. Our most recent project saw the completion of the first phase of an energy consumption reduction project. In partnership with Jamtech Projects, Intellibus and Eskom, we replaced all of our halogen and incandescent bulbs in the conference centre with LED light bulbs. We also installed motion sensors in the conference

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • G r e e n F o c u s

Reducing business tourism and MICE industries’ carbon footprints bb

It was time to extend the hard-earned green building expertise across our entire portfolio of office buildings,” says Rudolf

Pienaar, Growthpoint Properties offices divisional director, explaining the company’s new R43 million project. In this bold step, Growthpoint will replace all light fittings in its office portfolio – 134 office buildings spanning over one million cubic metres of office space – using the latest energy saving technology that’s been designed specifically for Growthpoint.

Besides the positive effects on the environment, the project will directly profit businesses occupying Growthpoint’s office buildings. “These savings should be substantial,” says Pienaar. Already, over the past year, the company invested R20 million on sustainability projects within its portfolio of

Gateway Theatre of Shopping is making

waves in the green industry

One of Growthpoint's green offi ce buildings: Lincoln on Lake in KZN

venues to regulate lighting efficiency, thereby significantly reducing our energy consumption by 45%.”

Other sustainability initiatives include a Green Room Policy, with air conditioners being turned off in unoccupied rooms and conference venues. The hotel has installed heat pumps to generate hot water and has implemented a Green Procurement Policy whereby all chemicals used in rooms are environmentally sound and products such as pencils and paper are bio-degradable and recyclable.

“Organic and locally produced fruit and vegetables are served as part of the menus in the Lounge and at the in-house restaurant, Trees,” explains Williams.

Stefan Schmidt, the hotel’s Michelin-trained executive chef, who also leads the hotel’s ‘green team’, explains: “We’re committed to reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint, using local meats and only fresh ingredients in all our dishes.”

Shopping centres, larger ones in particular, are some of the biggest energy and power consumers in the country. Noting this, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga has taken relevant measures to lower its carbon footprint. Since August 2011, the shopping centre’s power consumption has been closely monitored and managed, a move that will save property

owners Old Mutual Property (OMP) a considerable amount in annual energy costs.

Gateway is one of the most prestigious shopping centres in South Africa with 150 000 m2 of general letting area, almost 400 shop fronts, and 24 million visitors per year passing through its doors. The centre faces the same energy costing challenges as any large facility in the country where Eskom’s notified maximum demand (NMD) tariff rules apply – if the centre exceeds NMD, the facility is charged a premium on power usage.

“Maintaining a cost-effective ‘green’ facility is non-negotiable criteria for OMP as one of the leading property management groups in the country and a founding member of the Green Building Council of South Africa. With the implementation of this energy monitoring and management solution, one of our most

important long-term goals – a key driver of the R6 million integrated

intelligent building automation strategy launched at

Gateway in 2009 – is being realised,” explains Ken Davidson from

OMP’s property investments division.

The power management solution has

been made possible thanks to Johnson Controls Metasys Building Management System

(BMS) installed at the centre. Johnson Controls’ Ian Hargreaves

says: “To adequately manage the centre’s consumption and utility bill,

it needs to measure power usage in real time and act quickly to keep usage in

peak periods below the maximum.” He adds:

“We’ve been able to do this by integrating a Panel Track Energy Metering System with the centre’s now upgraded and IP enabled Metasys building management system.”

For both Johnson Controls and OMIG the energy management solution is a flagship one. “This the second energy management solution that the OMIG has implemented with Johnson Controls, the first being at the Menlyn shopping centre in Pretoria. We hope that it will serve as a showcase to other property owners, incentivising them to also implement technology enabled green strategies. It’s an investment that’s paying off for us,” concludes Davidson.

It’s all very well to hold your conference or event at a green venue, but what about when it comes to delegate bags, pens, pencils and notebooks? Are those green too? At the 2012 SAACI conference each delegate was given a stylish 100% green notebook and pen supplied by Green Stationery.

Green Stationery is the first stationery supplier in the country to specialise in eco-

friendly stationery. Its product range, including pens, pencils, notebooks, and bags, is carefully selected to replace your current often environmentally unfriendly, stationery items at about the same price levels. The products

undergo a series of quality and safety tests according to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, including tests for lead and other heavy metals, so the stationery is safe for your health and the environment.

Green Stationery products are made from PLA, a bio-degradable plastic of natural plant matter, not petroleum. It has the advantages of being economical, bio-degradable and independent from the cost of oil. Under conditions of soil temperature of about 15°C and humidity of 80 to 90%, PLA will decompose into the earth within 60 to 90 days.

So is green the new black? Most definitely.

Useful contacts

Growthpoint Properti es

www.growthpoint.co.za

The Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre

www.townhouse.co.za

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

www.gatewayworld.co.za

Old Mutual Property Investments

www.oldmutual.co.za

Johnson Controls

www.johnsoncontrols.com

Green Stati onery

www.greenstati onery.co.za

Green Stationery is the fi rst

supplier in SA to specialise in eco-friendly stationery

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • G r e e n F o c u s

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40 MEETINGS SA | JUL/AUG 201340 MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

The Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre has seen great results from its green conferencing programme

Innovative eco-friendly stationery from Green Stationery


Gone are the days of big silver platters with ‘I’m not sure what this is’ type of stew. It’s

now all about fresh, healthy, bright and beautiful

dishes. So, what else is, to quote Twitter, #trending in the catering industry?

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • C a t e r i n g F o c u s • BY J U L I A M A F C H E R

Soul food

A cu li n a ry expe rie n ce

How was the food? Who did the catering?” These are often the first questions people ask

after a conference, event or function. Food brings people together, is a great conversation starter and of course keeps you focused during long plenary sessions.

“People love to eat food that looks good.” And tastes good too! But that goes without saying when talking about James Khoza, executive chef at the Sandton Convention Centre. “Over the years, conference caterers have taken a more holistic approach to food, health

and the individual, moving away from heavy foods toward lighter options and smaller portion sizes. The emphasis is now on the plate or vessel the food is served in and it’s about creating an enriching experience.”

When you think about conference food, it’s hard not to picture greasy deep fried spring rolls, mini sausage rolls and doughy pizzas, to name a few, and when you’re on

“Over the years, conference

caterers have taken a more

holistic approach to

food”

James Khoza, Sandton Convention Centre's executive chef adds the fi nishing touches to his culinary masterpiece

MEETINGS SA | / 2013 43

a tight budget this seems like the only option. Not so, says Khoza: “Although gala buffets are generally pricier, clients can opt for less expensive options by choosing plated starters and a less protein-heavy main course. Beef and lamb are expensive and can easily be replaced with white meat and vegetables prepared using a variety of cooking methods to increase the appeal of the dish.”

He adds: “A very popular alternative to fried foods is the rice or tortilla wrap option. It still has the cocktail experience without the greasy and unhealthy connotation that so often goes with the typical cocktail menu.” To create more than simply an eating experience, Khoza tells us about a trend that’s catching on very quickly in the conference catering industry. “Wraps paired with cured meats, pickled or smoked, along with petite salads, individual serving offerings and sandwiches using healthy breads can all be incorporated into a live station. This allows for interaction among the chefs and delegates and gives clients an opportunity to see how the food is prepared and styled.”

“Simple, tasty, fresh, a hint of local flavour and client value for money is the perfect conference food package,” says Khoza.

Debs Ayub from Sense of Taste shares Khoza’s healthy food sentiments. “The latest ‘in’ foods include rustic and colourful vegetables, a more simplistic view on produce, a great variety of different tastes, and organic is undoubtedly the way forward.”

Gaining popularity in the conference industry are mobile bar services. Perfect for year-end functions, mobile bar services add something different as well as delicious cocktails. According to Lourence Bam from the mobile service Shaken and Stirred: “The mobile bar industry has grown

“The latest ‘in’ foods include rustic and colourful

vegetables and organic is the way forward”

tremendously over the past five years. In the beginning we had the major players in the

industry, followed by many smaller companies. Each of them adds their little piece of magic by catering for different needs.”

So do drinks and cocktails have trends? They certainly do. “Molecular mixology is very ‘in’ at the moment. Experimenting with different ingredients give a cocktail

the ‘x’ factor that clients love, and adds a greater intensity to, and a variety of, flavours,” Bam adds.

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • C a t e r i n g F o c u s

Healthy food combined with colourful, fruity cocktails? We couldn’t think of anything better.

So whether you’re attending a formal conference, intimate birthday dinner or company bash, there’s no need to worry about the calories – just eat, drink and be merry.

Useful contacts

Sandton Conventi on Centre

www.saconventi on.co.za

Sense of Taste

www.senseoft aste.co.za

Shaken and Sti rred

www.liquidsensati ons.co.za

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Hiring mobile bar service Shaken and Stirred is guaranteed to get the party started

Sense of Taste's Chef Peter works his magic

Some of Sense of Taste’s delectable delights


The almost three-decade running show Hostex is back in the City of Gold in 2013 and its line-up is once again designed to meet the high expectations of the catering, hospitality

and food & beverage industry.

Back to basics

Hostex 2013 will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 17 to 20 March. The show has built a sound

reputation for delivering an all-encompassing ‘one-stop shop’ expo that guarantees valuable information-sharing, networking opportunities,

E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T • H o s t e x 2 0 1 3

excitement with the prestigious competitions that run for the duration of the show, and more. “The growing success of Hostex over the years is largely founded on tried and tested approaches that our industry has asked for and

responded to positively,” explains Brad Hook, portfolio director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, organisers of Hostex.

Underpinning this statement is the fact that Hostex visitor numbers have continued to grow over the last couple of years, despite the tough global economic situation.

Hostex will again feature the popular visitor attractions of the Global Pizza Challenge; the Barista Championship, hosted by the Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa; the SA Chefs’ Village, hosted by the South African Chefs Association (SACA), and many more. “We’ll be enhancing these and other visitor attractions to keep the appeal of the events fresh and up to date,” says Hook.

Hostex is endorsed by a range of industry associations and organisations, including South African Chef's Association, Bed & Breakfast Association of South Africa, Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, Guest House Accommodation of South Africa, National Accommodation Association, Restaurant Association of South Africa, and Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa.

The event attracts decision-makers from across the spectrum of the catering, hospitality and food & beverage industry and provides exhibitors with the perfect opportunity for face-to-face product promotion.

Hook adds: “Experience has shown that when exhibitions offer good value and excellent

opportunities for exhibitors to boost their sales prospects, they tend to be successful, even in recessionary times.”

“We’re finding that more and more companies see leading industry exhibitions such as Hostex as an opportunity to create brand awareness and product or service preference through experiential marketing. This goes a long way towards creating a sound connection with customers and potential customers, possibly more so than other more traditional selling methods.

“There’s always an exciting industry buzz when Hostex is here, and we can see that it’s already starting in anticipation of the show,” concludes Hook.

www.hostex.co.za.

“There’s always an exciting industry buzz

when Hostex is here”

SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE17-20 March | 10h00 - 17h30

Contact Lindy Taylor on (011) 835 1565 or [email protected]

www.hostex.co.za


This exciting collaboration will enable exhibition and trade show industry thought leaders to come

together and strategise for the future of the African exhibition industry. The event will enable them to leverage on the recent internationalisation of the African exhibition sector. The two-day conference and exhibition will be attended by organisers, suppliers and venues, both local and international,

and will enable industry professionals to grow and establish relationships with their international industry colleagues.

The Summit’s theme, ‘Developing South Africa as a Global Exhibition Destination’, is appropriate as South Africa becomes a

favourite meeting place for international business tourists and exhibition organisers. “The past year has seen a large influx of international organisers bringing their expos into the country and setting up local offices. We expect this trend to continue,” says EXSA CEO Sue Gannon.

Manch Communications has been organising conferences and exhibitions in India since 2006. Its shows

The third annual Expo Summit Africa, organised by Manch Communications of India in partnership with EXSA, will take place in Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre from 13 to 14 February.

EXSA’S EXPO SUMMIT AFRICA

include Expo Summit, India Warehousing Show, India Cold Chain Show and many more. “We’re really looking forward to coming to Johannesburg and have a great line-up of international speakers,” says Kiran Mittal, co-founder and owner of Manch Communications.

EXSA will host its AGM during the summit. EXSA chairman Nigel Walker says: “We’re delighted Manch Communications is coming back to South Africa and bringing its unique blend of speakers to enrich our international perspective. EXSA will also have input on the programme to ensure that there will be something of interest for all our members. Alec Hogg, formerly of Moneyweb, will give a scenario of business in South Africa today and we’ll be bringing in brand activation and design with a speaker from the Loerie Awards. We’ve made sure that there will be something for all three EXSA Forums as well as an international and global perspective. EXSA is looking forward to a great gathering of exhibition minds.”

www.exsa.co.za

A time to come together

I N T H E K N O W • E X S A

“There will be something of

interest for all our members.” EXSA

chairman Nigel Walker

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I N T H E K N O W • C o m p e x • B Y N I G E L W A L K E R

GOING APPS

Look how far we’ve come

month at a social meeting of some of the South African CMPs, this was a topic of discussion over pizza and refreshments. What’s interesting, indeed startling, is that two of the eight (25%) meeting planners indicated that they were organising meetings based on iPads and tablets, rather than paper, within the next six months.

#6: Event Wi-Fi problems will get worse before getting better. This is being driven by expectations growing much faster than installations. This rings true. We ourselves have an event this year that requires the capacity to allow for 800 simultaneous connections. This is based upon the organiser aiming to meet the expectations of the delegates, exhibitors and other stakeholders.

The standard venue connectivity will not meet this requirement.

#7: New indoor positioning options will provide better event and exhibition indoor way finding and mapping. This one I have

highlighted because through the potential of improving the ROI for exhibitors the organiser can introduce differential pricing to specific stand positions based upon flow patterns. This is nothing new to the fast

two of the eight (25%) meeting planners indicated that they were organising meetings based on iPads and tablets, rather than paper, within the next six months.

#6: Event Wi-Fi problems will get worse

month at a social meeting of some of the South African CMPs, this was a topic ofdiscussion over pizza and refreshments.What’s interesting, indeed startling, is thattwo of the eight (25%) meeting planners

The rate of technology change is mind boggling, accelerating with many thousands of ideas, apps and innovations emerging to help us do

our jobs and serve our clients better.

moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. The layout of a retail outlet is scientifically designed where nothing is done accidentally and everything has a purpose based upon consumer behaviour. So, the design of an exhibition stand or the overall exhibition can follow similar principles. Such information and methodologies are considered a trade secret. Through technology, these secrets are about to be unlocked allowing the exhibition industry to learn from the FMCG sector.

#13: Despite the increased use of virtual meetings technology, face-to-face meetings and tradeshows will remain viable. This is clearly good news for us. While webinars and virtual meetings continue to increase in number and participation, no one can dispute the value of one-on-one interaction through formal exhibiting and the informal networking opportunities that these provide.

That being said, the traditional exhibitions and meetings of yesterday are evolving rapidly, so it’s time to brush up on the new technologies and ensure they’re included in your preparations.

Tomorrow is here.

www.compex.co.za

“Meetings technology will continue to get cheaper and

easier to use”

We live and work in exciting times. The first text message (Merry Christmas) was sent on 3

December 1982 (it took another year before a reply could be sent), and now eight trillion texts are sent annually. Tomorrow is going to be nothing like yesterday.

Last year, Corbin Ball, CMP CSP, gave a presentation at the UfI Conference in Cape Town. Do yourself a favour and have a look at his website (www.corbinball.com/home), especially the ‘13 Meetings Technology Predictions’ article. I’m not going to repeat ‘parrot fashion’ all 13, but here are a few highlights.

#1: Meetings technology will continue to get cheaper and easier to use. This is music to my ears. Cloud computing is here, although interconnectivity still poses a challenge sometimes. Most of us are using Dropbox, Google Apps, etc. Many users make the development cost and running costs ‘cheap’. Running registration software for as little as US$20 (R169.52) a month is a reality.

#2: The iPads and tablets will make paperless conference binder a reality. Last


R E W A R D & D E V E L O P • U S B S p e a k e r ' s C o r n e r • B Y PA U L M C G E E

reasons people dither, dawdle and

put things off

Paul McGee is an

international speaker and

author. He has spoken in

over 30 countries and is

author of the bestselling

book ‘S.U.M.O. Shut Up,

Move On: The Straight

Talking Guide to

Creating and

Enjoying a

Brilliant Life.’

Sound familiar? You’re caught in the great procrastination trap.

Procrastinating can lead to increased stress, a lack of fulfilment and robs you of living a more enjoyable life. How do I know? I’m talking from experience. I delayed tidying my garage for two years and then wondered why I’d been putting it off for so long when I finally tackled it. De-cluttering my office was a task I wish I’d done sooner... about five years sooner! It was only when I felt my stress levels becoming unacceptably high that I finally decided clutter and calm were not compatible. And I have been a master of deluding myself into thinking that the reason I haven’t made that difficult phone call is due to a lack of time, rather than the real reason, which is I felt uncomfortable about making it. So why do we do it? Here are five reasons:

1 Failure focus We choose to focus our thoughts on ‘what if I fail’, which can render us powerless to act. It undermines our confidence and self-belief and we comfort ourselves with the notion that ‘if I don’t attempt something, I can never be accused of failing’. That’s true. And neither can you experience the emotional highs gained from achievement and success.

2 Comfort blanket syndrome Taking action may at times require us to leave our world of familiarity, safety and security. Yet when we do something new or different, it can feel strange initially. This feeling of uncertainty can see us reaching out for our comfort blanket of previous habits and behaviour and withdraw from our new challenge.

3 Frozen by feelings We can sometimes allow our feelings to dictate whether or not to take action. So we wait until we feel motivated or creative. Emotions can take our actions hostage.

4 Illusions of activity You may appear busy, but busy doing what exactly? Planning, discussing and researching may all be very necessary, but there comes a point when only action will do.

5 Conned by complacency “There’s no rush... I’ll wait till I’m older… I’ll start it in the New Year”. There is always some reason to put off taking action today. As time passes, we delude ourselves into believing ‘there’s

plenty of time’ while we drift along in a haze of complacency.

SO WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?There’s no one single solution, but the following will certainly help:

1. Don’t confuse activity with effectiveness Are you filling your time with lots of activity in order to avoid addressing the real issue? Ask yourself: “Is what I’m doing really necessary and worthwhile?”

2 Just start it Quit worrying about completing the task, just start it. Action brings motivation.

3 Tackle the nasties fi rst

‘Nasties’ are tasks that you are not looking forward to doing. By delaying acting on them, you allow stress to build up at a subconscious level. Tackle them first and then once they’re out of the way, you’ve got something to look forward to.

4 Reward your progress Give yourself mini rewards when you complete a task. Just finished a nasty? Then start a pleasurable task.

5 Develop double vision Visualise what will happen if you delay taking action. What will the consequences be? How do you feel about that? Now visualise the task successfully completed. Imagine how you’ll feel. Allow those positive emotions to spur you into action.

6 Make a date with a mate Ask a friend or colleague to ‘act as your conscience’. Make yourself accountable to someone who can provide you with moral support and encouragement. Want to lose weight or quit smoking? It’s easier to do with someone else.

7 Learn to S.U.M.O. (Shut up, move on) Constantly replaying reasons not to do something inside your head? Say to yourself: “It’s time to shut up the dithering and move on to the acting.” Then decide what the first thing you need to do is and get on and do it.

Quit worrying about

completing the task, just

start it.

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What to do about it

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R E W A R D & D E V E L O P • G r o u p I n c e n t i v e T r a v e l • B Y J U L I A M A F C H E R

Acruise on board the MSC Sinfonia or the MSC Opera is the ideal opportunity to host a conference,

team building or incentive event. There’s no land-based venue where accommodation, meals, entertainment and the company conference can be arranged with one call – all inclusive. South Africa’s most exciting conference venues arrived in our waters in November last year and will be here until April. So there’s no time like the present to go incentive travelling.

The return of MSC Sinfonia and the addition of MSC Opera to South Africa for the summer season is an exciting prospect for both the business and leisure industries. It’s the biggest and most ambitious cruise programme the country’s ever seen. Both ships bring their elegance and glamour to South African guests,


and are offering select new cruise destinations as part of their summer itineraries.

They provide an extraordinary showcase for corporate initiatives. Widely acclaimed for their spectacular interiors, they’re luxury resorts that provide a different spectacular view every day. Various cruise destinations throughout the summer season out of Cape Town and Durban, visit exotic island destinations and ports. The cruises range from two nights to 12 nights – the perfect range to suit any budget and incentive need.

World-class conference facilities include a theatre for large corporate events, meeting rooms and complete technical infrastructures. Varied modern sports and leisure facilities provide valuable team building opportunities, indulgent spa centres, gourmet cuisine and a variety of entertainment.

MSC Cruises groups department can tailor the facilities and services to your needs, advising on and taking care of every detail of your incentive trip.

MSC Sinfonia boasts 777 cabins, 132 of which are balcony suites. There are four on-board

Give your team a ‘lifestyle of the rich and the famous’ incentive travel experience on board an MSC Cruises luxury liners. The price? Suits any budget... yes really.

restaurants, 10 bars, two swimming pools and the luxurious MSC Aurea Spa. Guests can enjoy world-class performances in the San Carlo Theatre and take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness centre, golf simulator, casino, mini club, teen’s club, disco, internet café, and

international shopping. Additional facilities include a business and conference centre and medical centre.

There are 856 cabins on the MSC Opera, including 172 balcony cabins and 28 balcony suites. The ship has four restaurants, 11 bars, two pools, and

two whirlpools. The liner also boasts the MSC Aurea Spa and Solarium, a disco, video games room, internet café, casino, team building facilities and a medical centre. The ship has a wonderful array of duty free shopping and the Buffalo Bill play area will keep kids entertained. Additional facilities include the Cotton Club bar and a stage on deck for outdoor entertainment.

www.msccruises.com or

www.mscstarlightcruises.co.za

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aaannnddd mmmmmeeeetiinnnngg rroooooommmms

The majestic

MSC Sinfonia sets sail

The ultimate relaxation: lying by the MSC Sinfonia pool

Watch live productions in the MSC Opera theatre

MSC Opera's Internet café and business centre

Try your luck in the MSC Opera casino

1350 delegates and can now accommodate up to 750 delegates at the foot

everyone to enjoy.

years with the clubhouse rated in the top five 19th holes in South Africa. So whether you are wearing your

Tel: 036 468 8000 Fax: 036 468 1169 lwww.champagnesportsresort.com


P R O D U C T N E W S

Pumula Beach Hotel is situated alongside the Indian Ocean,

an hour south of Durban. The hotel offers holidaymakers and business delegates the best of both worlds.

The hotel has 62 rooms and four conference venues. The largest, Intshambili, has just been through a major revamp with a new raised ceiling, new lighting, carpets, all the latest conferencing technology and a lovely veranda. Lunches and tea or coffee intervals are served on the terrace overlooking the sea. The grounds for teambuilding events are

Down by the seaadjacent to the hotel. There’s an 18-hole Putt Putt Course, volley ball court, and a heated swimming pool. The beach, two minutes away, is a great place to hold team building events too.

The hotel can assist with specialised menus and events such as gala dinners, themed evenings, traditional/spit/seafood/Mongolian braais, potjiekos competitions, pub evenings, product launches, and any kind of entertainment function.

Pumula Beach Hotel was awarded the Best Resort Hotel National by the AA Quality Assured 2012 and Platinum in the Diners Club International Wine list Awards 2012.

Gerald Garner’s newest guide celebrates Johannesburg’s inner

city hidden gems. Spaces & Places – JoburgPlaces isn’t merely an updated and

B 2013

west

er&

A city to explore

reprinted version of his first book, Spaces & Places – Johannesburg. It’s completely new,

rewritten and repackaged with loads of new content and photographs. With increased interest

in Johannesburg and a range of new establishments having opened since 2010,

Garner seized the opportunity an up-to-date, contemporary city guide. The book focuses on different Johannesburg nodes, providing essential insider’s knowledge on how to make the most of your time in the fascinating city. It puts the spotlight on the extraordinary spaces and places of the bustling metropolis.

With 300 pages of stunning full-colour photographs and informative text, it’ll be hard to say no to a trip to the city.

P R O D U C T N E W S

Game viewing at its best

In the heart of the Big Five malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve on the northern border of South Africa, lies Tau Game

Lodge, an oasis of tranquillity and hospitality. Overlooking a natural waterhole, the 30 luxury chalets offer excellent views of animals approaching from the opposite bank all day long.

Operation Phoenix was a unique wildlife project. The inception of the Madikwe Game


Fantastic function flooringEvent and function organisers looking

for a durable, versatile portable flooring solution need look no further

than Connecta-Floor’s multi-purpose modular flooring system. It’s designed to suit a wide range of uses and is ideal for exhibitions, functions, marquee flooring, showrooms, car displays, shopping malls and weddings.

Connecta-Floor features an integrated locking system that keeps the floor panels from pulling apart and allows for a neat finish. An innovative tamper-resistant reticulation system provides space for power cables to run through, eliminating the need for any tape to hold loose wires in place and ensuring a seamless look and feel. All finishing ramps are

wheelchair-friendly and improve the safety rating of the flooring, while its strength and durability enables it to withstand heavy traffic flow.

The flooring is available in three different wood finishes, vinyl and synthetic grass. Each surface is easy to clean and is stain resistant. The panels are flame-resistant and have low smoke emission.

Connecta-Floor is easy to transport, with quick and seamless assembly on a variety of surfaces including concrete, sand and grass.

It’s an eco-friendly flooring solution designed and manufactured locally. Connecta-Floor is gearing up for a successful and busy 2013.

Reserve saw more than 10 000 animals of 27 major species reintroduced to the reserve over six years in an attempt to restock and

conserve flora and wildlife that had long since disappeared from the region. In late 2012, the North West Parks Board embarked on another restocking and relocation project, setting an ambitious target of introducing over 6 000 head of game within a couple of months, which will continue into early 2013.

Planned game introductions include cheetah, lion, ostrich, warthog and a number of antelope (gemsbok, red hartebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, blue wildebeest and zebra) totalling 6 832 animals.

Madikwe Game Reserve boasts year-round game viewing and is one of the few reserves where one can view a wide variety of fauna, the Big Five, the endangered Wild Dog and a bird population of over 250 different species.

The best-kept conference destinations are secret no more

Safe, secure and superbly appointed. These are the

premium atkv resorts nationwide. Take advantage of our

experience. Choose from numerous options which off er

full infrastructure and great personal service.

Make your conference a working success!

ENGAGE IN OUR WORKING EXPERIENCE

Buff elspoort - 014 572 1000 | Drakensville - 036 438 6287 | Eiland Spa - 015 386 8000 | Goudini Spa - 023 349 8100 Hartenbos - 044 601 7200 | Klein Kariba - 014 736 9800 | Natalia - 031 916 4545

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C O M I N G U P

L O O K I N G B A C K

Besides the exquisite venue at Sun City, the SAPHILA Conference 2012 was a huge success. From 28 to 31 October 2012, 1 500 delegates from all over the world

came together to learn and network at Africa’s essential business technology conference and the largest systems, applications and products (SAP) customer-run conference on South African soil. With in-depth topics including analytics and performance management, business process innovation and strategies on the move, as well as an inspiring speech by keynote speaker Oscar Pistorius, I left with my mind filled with newly acquired knowledge. Thanks to technical solutions agency TechRig, the lights, intricate staging and construction, and sound when off without a hitch. Here’s to the next SAPHILA!

C O M I N G U P & L O O K I N G B A C K

Success in the sun

One of the year’s

most highly anticipated industry

exhibitions is just around the corner, and we can’t wait. Meetings Africa will take place from 18

to 21 February at the world-class Sandton Convention Centre. After the success of 2012, we look forward to an even bigger and better Meetings Africa. The global meetings industry is now recognising Africa as a sought-after business destination, and Meetings Africa will showcase the continent’s diverse offering of services and products. This is the space for African associations and African meetings industry professionals to partner and help transform the continent. Use Meetings Africa to your advantage by doing business, networking with industry colleagues, learning more about the industry and enjoying the extensive programme of official networking events. Some of the exhibitors you’ll come

Here’s to Africa

Beyond our borders The theme

for the third

EXPO Summit Africa is, ‘Developing South Africa as a Global Exhibition Destination,’ and will take place from 13 to 14 February at the Sandton Convention Centre. The summit has been organised by Manch Communications in partnership with EXSA (The Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa), and will enable exhibition and trade show industry thought leaders to come together and strategise for the future of the African exhibition industry. The two-day conference and exhibition will be attended by organisers and industry professionals from Europe, Africa and Asia, and is the perfect opportunity for local industry players to network and gain external knowledge.

Meetings Africa 2013

EXPO Summit Africa

across include convention and visitor bureaus, conference and exhibition centres, destination management companies and event management specialists. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Meetings SA will be there too, so be sure to come and grab a copy.

SAPHILA Conference 2012



People on the move

Head in the cloudsKenya Airways has appointed Chris Diaz as its new marketing director. Diaz joins the airline from BIDCO Group where he served as the group marketing director, overseeing functions in communications, corporate affairs and business development across different countries.

Moving on upJohn van Rooyen is Tsogo Sun Western and Eastern Cape’s new operations director. As an integral member of the Southern Sun executive management team, he’s been responsible for the formulation and implementation of the group’s strategic direction over the past several years.

Michael Kewley (left) has been appointed as the new general

manager of the Southern Sun Hyde Park Sandton hotel and Nicolai

Pareti as the executive chef of the hotel’s restaurant, Bice.

It’s cooking in KZNTony Kocke is the new executive chef at Tsogo Sun’s Beverly Hills hotel in Umhlanga. “It’s an honour to be appointed as executive chef of Beverly Hills hotel. It’s something I waited for a long time and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I look forward to personally meet all the wonderful loyal guests of the Beverly Hills and surpassing all food expectations,” says Kocke.

Hyde Park highlights

W H O ' S W H O

60

Meetings Africa is the continent’s top business tourism exhibition, showcasing

conference and event venues, incentive travel destinations and various industry support services. It’s a one-stop shop for conference organisers, meeting planners, corporate travel agents, associations and government departments. Sandton Convention Centrewww.meetingsafrica.co.za

Meetings Africa18 to 21 February

MEETINGS SA | JAN/FEB 2013

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS3D Design OBC

54 on Bath 18 & 19

ATKV Resorts 56

Avianto 25

Champagne Sports Resort

& Pumula Beach Hotel 53

Club Mykonos Resort 49

Complete Exhibition 9

Concept G Exhibitions & Events 36 & 37

Connecta-Floor 54

Crowne Plaza Johannesburg - The Rosebank &

Holiday Inn Sandton 24

Emerald Resort & Casino 58

Headline Leisure Management 13

Hostex 45

Durban International Convention Centre 26 & 27

Intercape 59

Johannesburg Expo Centre OFC, 6 & 7

Meetings Africa 51

Oasys Innovation 41

Premier Hotels & Resorts 47

Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport 30

Sandton Convention Centre IFC

Southern Sun IBC

Tau Game Lodge 38

The Forum Company 22

Ushaka Marine World 15

Vegas Nights 55

V&A Waterfront 16

Walter Sisulu Square 31

what • when • where...

The theme for this year’s most celebrated event on the social calendar is ‘Made to

Fly’. It’s a day to rub shoulders with the who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry, celebrate the stylish and not-so-stylish, and watch some horse racing too. So make sure you have your hat and outfit ready, you wouldn’t want to end up on the worst dressed list now would you?Kenilworth Race Coursewww.jbmet.co.za

The J&B Met2 February

Made to Fly’ is the theme for this year’s most celebrated event on the social

calendar. It’s a day to rub shoulders with the who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry, celebrate the stylish and not-so-stylish and watch some horse racing too. So make sure you have your hat and outfit ready, you wouldn’t want to end up on the worst dressed list now would you?Kenilworth Race Coursewww.jbmet.co.za

Gauteng Homemakers Expo28 February to 3 March

E V E N T S D I A R Y

Organised by Manch Communications and EXSA, the third annual Expo Summit

Africa will enable industry leaders to leverage on recent internationalisation of the African exhibition sector. The two-day conference will feature EXSA’s Annual General Meeting and concurrent exhibition. Sandton Convention Centrewww.exposummitafrica.com

Expo Summit Africa13 to 14 February

This year sees the return of the much loved World of Dogs and Cats (WODAC) Pet Expo to Durban after a five-year break. The expo includes arena events showcasing various dog breeds in a Best of Breed competition as well as in obedience, agility, dog jumping, carting and fly ball. The hall of cats with many different breeds is sure to enthral cat lovers.Durban Exhibition Centrewww.dogscats.co.za

WODAC Pet Expo22 to 24 February

The conference has become the foremost forum for debating Africa’s energy

solutions and focuses on African power suppliers, alternative and renewable energies, oil and gas, the legal and regulatory framework, and investment opportunities in African energy projects. Energy Indaba is a significant marketplace for African and international stakeholders doing business in the continent’s energy sector.Sandton Convention Centrewww.energyindaba.co.za

Africa Energy Indaba19 to 21 February

EXHIBITION STAND DESIGN

PORTABLE DISPLAY SOLUTIO

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www.3ddesign.co.zaJOHANNESBURG4 Neutron Street, Linbro Business Park, Linbro Park, Johannesburg PO Box 1795, Marlboro, 2063 Johannersburg, South [email protected] | TEL: 011 608 1588 | FAX: 011 608 0591 TEL: 021 702 1089 | FAX: 021 702 1537

CAPE TOWN9 Westlake Drive, Westlake, Cape Town, [email protected]

EVENT GEAR

R

meet ings • incen t i ves • con fe rences • exh ib i t i ons

www.saconference.co.za ISSUE 47 Jan/Feb 2013R40.00 (VAT incl)

“This year we’ll continue to host great exhibitions” Craig Newman, CEO of JEC P6

Top catering trends Gauteng opportunities

IN THE HOT SEAT 201333333

J O H A N N E S B U R G E X P O C E N T R E

Mauritius meetings







THAT DOES IT.








THAT DOES IT.


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Documents

Meetings SA Jan/Feb 2013