M O Z A M B I Q U E

C ontents
Cover Story
3D Group of companies
Upbeat about 2010 prospects 4

Industry Insight
Punctuality
Helen Brewer uncovers good time keeping 6

17
Product news
Showcasing the latest in industry aligned products and services 8

Cape Town Talking Points

Price gauging during and the Soccer World Cup 10

AIPC Column
Getting sustainability into perspective 12

Thebe column
Carol Weaving talks on long-term sustainability 14

Meeting Places
Cape Town and the Western Cape

20
SA’s hottest meeting destination 17

Boutique hotels
Boutique hotels Style and intimacy revealed 20

24
MTN Expo Centre

38
Experiential
marketing

MEETINGS SA | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 1

 M O Z A M B I Q U E

C ontents
30
Scan Display's Modulbox Event Management
World Cup wellness
Celynn Erasmus talks on healthy teambuilding ideas 28
Exhibiting during 2010
Top tips from industry experts 30
Industry associations
More on who does what and why 32
Corporate entertainment
Top tips from industry expert, Marcel Oudejans 35

Reward & Develop

Dining with angels

40
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa An unbeatable experience 37
Experiential marketing
Not on your pocket, but in your pocket 38
Keeping things simple and profound
Robin Wheeler uncovers ways in which to sustain any team 41

Regulars
Editor’s comment 3
SA Conference online 27
Subscribe and WIN 29
Who’s who 43
Coming up 44

45
Locking back 46
Coming up
Events diary 47
Index to advertisers 48

6 Punctuality means
good timekeeping

2 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010


Publisher Elizabeth Shorten
Editor Abby Wintgens
abby@3smedia.co.za
+27 (0)11 258 6602
Creative director Frédérick Danton
Senior designer Zané Janse van Rensburg
Chief sub-editor Milton Webber
Sub-editor Lia Marus
Marketing manager Jackie Slavin
Production manager Felicity Moon
Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise
Financial manager Andrew Lobban
Administration Tonya Hebenton
Subscription sales Cindy Cloete
cindy@3smedia.co.za
Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham
Advertising sales Caroline Martin
+27 (0)11 454 6051/2
+27 (0)72 235 5725
caroline@pinpoint.co.za
Meetings SA March/April 2010
© Copyright. All rights reserved 2009
No. 4, 5th Avenue, Rivonia, Johannesburg
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Tel: +27(0)11 258 6200
Fax: +27(0)11 234 7274/75
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Annual subscription: R225.00 (incl. VAT)
ISSN 1684-9264
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Meetings SA is published bi-monthly by 3S Media. This
publication, its form and contents vests in 3S Media,
January 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book,
including cover and interior designs, may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
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subsequent purchaser.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation
and compilation of this publication, the publisher assumes
no responsibility for errors, omissions, completeness or
accuracy of its contents, or for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein. While every effort
has been taken to ensure that no copyright or copyright issues
is/are infringed, 3S Media, its directors, publisher, officers
and employees cannot be held responsible and consequently
disclaim any liability for any loss, liability damage, direct or
consequential of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising.
E D I T O R ’ S N O T E
Maximising
your event
ndoubtedly, we have all been
affected by the economic
recession. We spend more to fill
up our petrol tanks, our grocery bills
have increased astronomically and
many businesses have been forced to
retrench staff. With careful planning,
business has been able to weather this
financial storm and although budgets
are not what they were ‘in the good-
old days’, the economy is certainly
showing signs of recovery.
In this issue of Meetings SA, along
with our usual a range of interesting from the latest trends and products in
features and the latest news on stand design and add-ons, and tried-and-
industry products and services, we tested ways to guarantee worthy stand
look at ways of getting the most value traffic, to crucial things to consider before
out of your events. even booking your stand.
At one point or another (possibly With less than 100 days to go until kick
even more than once) we’ve all been off at the Soccer World Cup and the
late. Be it because of traffic, bad increasing concerns that visitors will be
weather, car troubles or having been put off by the exorbitant prices as hotels,
held up at another appointment, the guest lodges and other tourism providers
reasons are endless. Understandably, raise their prices, Meetings SA brings
these exact explanations are fast you appealing thoughts on price gauging
becoming increasingly less excusable from some of the tourism and hospitality
when attending a pre-organised event. industries’ most prominent individuals.
Taking a stance against ‘African time’, Read Talking Points on page 10 for
Helen Brewer – chairperson for the more information.
Chartered Meetings Professional Our March/April issue promises to be yet
Network in South Africa – brings another central link in the Meetings SA
organisers and attendees alike an chain. Enjoy your copy!
insightful read on punctuality. Turn to
page six for the full article.
On page 26 in the Event
Management section is a read ideal for
companies and individuals in two minds
about exhibiting this year as drastically
slashed budgets remain a harsh reality.
Meetings SA brings you exclusive Abby Wintgens,
advice from two leading service Editor
providers to the exhibitions industry.
Join Meetings SA on
Scan Display’s Justin Hawes and Oasys
Exhibitions’ Carl Woodland provide
much valuable insight into everything
On the cover
Main: 3D Group of companies Bottom left: Crystal Towers boardroom
Middle: Abalone House boardroom Right: Dinner in the Sky
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 3
 C O V E R S T O R Y
he 3D Group of companies is one
of South Africa’s leading turnkey
exhibition solutions providers with
an extensive skills set encompassing
design, construction, as well as build-
up and break-down services; access to
cutting-edge technical equipment, modern
furniture and funky electrical fittings; and
an in-depth knowledge of trends attracting
visitors to exhibitions. According to group
CEO, John Kullmann, 2009 started with a
bang when the company won a contract to
build ‘Made in Germany’ at Automechanika
in February last year. However, last year
was, on the whole, a slow year for business.
The company’s
team leaders
comment on the
year that was and
look forward to
what 2010 holds.
John Kullmann:
2009 started with
a bang when we
won the contract
4 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
3D upbeat
about 2010 prospects
to build a large stand at Automechanika
through our OSPI partners in Germany.
This was supplemented by the three-year
contract we won from South African Tourism
and continued work for Telkom, particularly
around the Confederations Cup. In addition,
our shell-scheme business secured a number
of good contracts, which had a positive
effect on our furniture and electrics divisions,
both suppliers to the shell-scheme division.
However, the market seemed to be very
slow: clients’ budgets were slashed and many
decided simply not to exhibit. As a result, we
built far fewer stands compared to 2008,
albeit at a higher
value. We look
forward to the
prospects that
2010 will bring.
Conrad Kullmann,
group sales
and marketing
director: The past
12 months have
been challenging
but rewarding for the group as a whole, as
we took the opportunity to enhance our
offerings in a number of areas. For example,
the reinvention of 3D Furniture Hire proved
to be a success spur to business and its
turnover went up by 38%, adding a whole
host of new clients to its books. Overall, we
had a good year with all divisions reaching
their annual targets two months before
our financial year end. The cost-cutting and
work-smart systems we had put in place at
the beginning of 2009 also bore fruit, so
turnover yielded greater profits. This has
given us a great kick-start for 2010 and has
put us in a strong
position to grow
and develop
our business.
Ivor Allison, group
operations director:
Load shedding and
South Africa’s first
recession in 17
years made 2009
a trying year. I lost

several key team members in my factory but
didn’t replace them, which meant that I had
to reorganise responsibilities, train up when
necessary, and promote those who may or
may not have been ready for it. For example,
customer favourite Alfred Hlatshwayo,
previously a team leader, was promoted to
project manager. That left room for stand
builders to become team leaders, and for
non-stand builders to be trained as stand
builders. My spray painters went on a course
off site and passed with flying colours, two
other team members spent a few days
learning more about vinyl application, and
we boosted our first-aid complement by
three. We ran a conference and teambuilding
sessions for the factory teams, which
proved to be very educational and a lot
of fun. Finally, I took 10 stand builders and
two electricians from the ‘new’ team with
me to London to build the South African
Tourism stand. It was a huge challenge, but
the guys rose to the occasion. At the end of
the year, I asked myself why I had been so
worried at the beginning of 2009. Granted,
I’d taken a chance giving the ‘greenhorns’
the opportunity to prove themselves but it
turned out just fine. Right now, I know that
3D Design has the best stand builders in the
industry. Bring on 2010.
Tony Cantatore,
3D Furniture Hire,
managing director:
Even though at
times it seemed as
if we were stuck
in the mud, 2009
flew by. It was an
interesting year
in many respects:
tried-and-tested
approaches to
business were tested again under trying
conditions, and we had to think out of
the box to keep up with the changing
times. One of the most difficult hurdles
to overcome was to find ways to help
clients get the biggest ‘bang’ out of their
reduced marketing ‘buck’. This meant
navigating unchartered waters for many in
experimenting with new ways of exhibiting.
That said, these experiences have helped us
build good and solid business relationships,
and we’re certain that we’ll be rewarded
when the economy picks up.
In each issue, Meetings SA offers advertisers the opportunity to promote their company’s products and services to an appropriate
audience by booking the prime position of the front cover, which includes a two-page feature article. The magazine offers advertisers an
ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure of their brand. Please call Caroline Martin on +27 (0)11 454 6051/2 to secure your booking.
Japie van der
Linde, Switched-
on-Electrical,
manager: Switched-
on-Electrical, the
electrical arm of
the 3D Group, had
a comparatively
good year in
2009, increasing
its sales by 19%
and boosting its
staff complement to 17. It was also a year
of training, training, and more training,
with several team members qualifying as
electricians and a few others opting to study
for their wiring licences during 2010. This
means that we’ll be able to take on bigger
projects in 2010. We are also very excited
about the decision to collaborate with Osram
to import a new LED light system.
This will dramatically increase the variety
of lighting effects customers can choose
from and no doubt will inject additional
energy into the market.
Dylan Solomon,
3D Shell Scheme,
manager: The shell
scheme business
unit began 2009 in
a new factory, with
the much-needed
space for stock
and staff growth.
This proved to be
invaluable because
of the growth
experienced over the previous year. In a
tough economic climate, exhibitors and
organisers tend to cut their budgets.
This did not, however, prove to be
detrimental to our business because the
smaller floor space taken by the bigger
companies was seen as an opportunity
by smaller companies to showcase
their businesses without them being
overshadowed by the overpowering
stands. It was a challenging yet rewarding
experience working with exhibitors who were
trying to maximise their budgets, which in
turn opened up opportunities for package
stands and creative extras for shell schemes.
The exhibitors were more focused on
optimising their businesses at the exhibitions
and reaped the rewards accordingly. An out-
C O V E R S T O R Y
of-the-box approach has proven invaluable,
as has become standard in moving forward
for the smaller exhibitors and organisers
with limited budgets. In turn, the organisers’
exhibitions did not decline aesthetically.
Working closely with them, we were able
to ensure innovative, cost-effective
presentations of their shows – a model
that they will continue to use in the future.
Consequently, our client base grew despite
the state of the economy. Internally, key
staff members were assessed and promoted
to positions where they performed well and
have since become assets to the company.
The year ended by linking into the rest of
the Maximiser Operating System used by
our sister companies. This has improved
workflow and systems, giving us a tool to
manage the company more effectively, and
enabling us to give our clients an unrivalled
service for 2010 and beyond.
Jaun Dugtig, 3D
Portable, sales
manager: 2009
was a year of
opportunity for
me, as was it for
3D Portable, which
offers solutions
for branding
requirements
for exhibitions,
shopping centres,
airports, road shows and even office
buildings. I was promoted to sales manager
halfway through the year, and was tasked
with managing the division and four sales
representatives. During the year, we expanded
our services to include wall papering and
printed vinyl applications for window displays,
among other things. The division is looking
forward to 2010, as we believe people are
looking for new ideas to market their brands,
and we have so many unique options on offer.
We shot out of the starting blocks in 2010 with
a number of big projects.
The most prestigious of these was Audi
Fashion Week, which went well and ultimately
left us with an exceptionally happy client.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)11 608 1588
Fax: +27 (0)11 608 1591
E-mail: 3d@3ddesign.co.za
Website: www.3ddesign.co.za
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 5
 I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
Punctuality means
good timekeeping
On 14 November 2009, Therese Owen, in her weekly Saturday Star diary column on entertainment
happenings, explained punctuality – or the lack thereof − in a nutshell: “I don’t understand why it’s
so über cool for black men to wear expensive watches, yet there is still no concept of time.
he invitation said 19:00 arrival
time. Most guests swaggered in
at around 21:00. Now this smacks of
absolute ego and no respect for the
organisers, the event or the nominees.
"People, please, down with the egos.”
In the meetings, incentives, conferences
and events (MICE) industry, we don’t have
to single out colour and gender – the lack
of punctuality transcends all groups of
MICE folk.
There is clear evidence of too many
meeting/event goers who do not have
a clue as to the definition of the word
punctuality. For the uninformed, punctuality
means good timekeeping and the
destructive elements of poor time keeping
can be found on a number of levels.
Manners maketh the man
Arriving late is a sure sign of questionable
manners. Several industry players
have gained the dubious reputation of
discourteous behaviour by regularly
arriving around 30 minutes late (the grand
entrance?) with either a hollow apology or in
most instances no apology at all.
It is of little use to advise the organiser/
host of ongoing late arrivals as playing
information catch-up on aspects already
discussed is both tiresome for those
that have covered the topic as well as
non-productive. It’s far better to extend
apologies and not arrive at all. These
particular MICE folk should not wonder why
they are neither taken seriously or their
inputs are generally ignored.
Respect for all
Respect for all is embodied in our
constitution. Not taking cognisance of the
programme timing shows a lack of respect
towards the host, the delegation, the
6 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
by Helen Brewer
organisers, the speakers and anyone else at least an hour prior to the delegation’s
that may be present. notified arrival time. It is disconcerting
Public servants should remember that they to advise that the starting time is 08:00
are servants of the public. The more senior for 08:30 and as delegates start settling
the individual, the more essential it is to set in their seats at 08:25, only then are
an exemplary standard of good timekeeping. the screen, projector, top table – to
Blaming traffic congestion, the weather, the name but a few possible items not
kids, plus a whole range of other creative pre-planned –suddenly brought in. The
reasons is starting to wear thin and is just slightest glitch such as an additional
plain inconsiderate – a smattering of poor extension lead, raised platform and the
planning. We all face similar challenges like invariably cuts the start by at least
getting to and from various areas and if 20 minutes.
most of us can plan our arrival, taking into 2. Contributors’ briefs: Whether
account time-consuming factors, then chairperson, nominees, or
surely the rest of us should not use the
same challenges as excuses.
Effective countermeasures
Ignoring poor timekeeping is equallyy
non-productive and measures to ensure sure
the effective continuity of the MICE E
undertaking to meet the objectives
and outcomes should be incorporated ed
within the professional planning cycle:le:
1. Basic event management planning: ing:
With the plethora of event
management training programmes, mes,
it is hoped that one basic rule iss
instilled in students and applied
to all MICE undertakings. That iss
to ensure that room space and
presentation set-ups are in placece
Not taking cognisance
e
of the programme
timing shows a lack of
respect towards the host,
ost,
isers,
the delegation, the organisers,
the speakers and anyone else
that may be present
 I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T

presenters (in other words all phase or chief organiser should

programme contributors), the key
word is pre-preparation in terms of
the organisers’ expectations, which
must be conveyed to all contributors
well in advance, together with updated
reminders. This essential pre-planning
arrangement will ensure presentations
are loaded onto one data projector
and checked with the AV technician
prior to the actual commencement of
proceedings.
3. Applying professional organising
strategies: If the starting time is 08:30,
the organisers should ensure that the
time is adhered to. Various late arrivals
should also be pre-planned with regard
to logistical handling.
• Delegates:
• Await the next break prior to
entering the meeting room.
• Contingency cinema seating at
back of room for late arrivals,
especially if the venue is an
auditorium with entrance from the
front.
• Chairperson:
• An alternate chairperson should
be appointed during the planning
undertake the role in the interim.
• Keynote presenters:
• Ensure provision is made for
presenters to move up a slot and
present in place of an absent
presenter. On arrival of presenter,
rearrange the programme schedule
where applicable and appropriate to
suit the programme sequence.
The counter measures shown are merely
indicators and doubtless, a professional
organiser would plan even better logistical
alternatives. The bottom line is to ensure
that although others may not adhere
to punctuality, the organiser has taken
cognisance of this possible shortcoming
and has contingency counter measures in
place. In other words, do not pander to poor About the author
time keeping by the few that could have
Helen Brewer is the CMP director of MICE
detrimental outcomes for the majority, as
Club and Conpromark Consultants. She is also
well as the programme’s ultimate objectives.
executive chairperson of the ministerial-led
The final word is to remember that it is not
events and technical services task team and the
wise to penalise the punctual by waiting
chairperson of the CMP Network South Africa.
for those who are late. To follow negative
Brewer can be contacted telephonically on +27
reasoning constantly will ultimately result in
(0)82 820 5382 or via e-mail at miceclub@
all of us arriving at any time and the result of
miceclub.co.za. Visit the MICE Club website at
an outcome such as this could be described as
www.miceclub.co.za.
sheer disaster for the entire MICE industry.

The High Point of The Midlands

Dargle Kwa-Zulu Natal

Everglades Hotel & Conference Centre is situated at the foot of the im-
posing Inhlosane Mountain in the beautiful Dargle valley in the foothills
of the Southern Drakensberg.
On the Kwa Zulu Midlands Meander
• Just 90 mins from Durban and 40 mins from Pietermaritzburg
• 54 well appointed rooms (Can accommodate up to 120 guests)
• We boast Four Conference Venues with 8 breakaway rooms and
one Wedding Venue (From 20 - 120 Delegates)
• Set on a 20 hectare Estate with many facilities for Teambuilding as
well as 3 Par Golf Course and Wellness Centre.
• Our Chefs are dedicated to culinary excellence
• Theme Evenings, Braai's and Potjies can be arranged
• Meet in our well stocked Pub at the end of a fruitful day

Contact us on:
Tel: 033-2349042/9043/9044 Fax: 033-2344286 Cell: 082 880 2051
E-mail: everglades@sai.co.za Website: www.everglades.co.za
 P R O D U C T N E W S
Trade stress and
chaos for balance
and focus in Knysna
The Lofts Boutique
Hotel in Knysna
The Lofts in Knysna has launched a new type
of incentive that will not only revitalise the
mind, but also the soul. The new retreat
incentive welcomes you to relax, find a
sense of balance and recover your energy
and vitality, leaving you feeling focused and
The home of freedom
Walter Sisulu Square ‘e’ Kliptown, known to
those who love it as the gateway to Soweto,
is where various people from all around
South Africa gathered to draft the Freedom
Charter. Despite numerous tours, most
people still don’t know that even though the
charter was drafted at the square, it was
only adopted at the AME church, a building
not far from the home of the first black lady
to obtain a BSc degree, Charlotte Magxeke.
These and many more other interesting
stories have seen Walter Sisulu Square ‘e’
Kliptown taking its rightful place as an Echo
Museum. On tours to the area, visitors can
experience the following: Gerald Sekoto’s,
the bone collector’s home; Magxeke’s
SANS 10366:2009
(edition 2) launched
The SANS 10366:2009 (edition 2) Health
and Safety at Events requirements was
recently launched at the Development
Bank of Southern Africa, in Midrand, on
21 January 2010. The well-attended event
saw Barry Snow, chairperson of the SABS
Technical Committee (TC) 184, discussing
the background to the development of
SANS 10366. Peter Baxter, vice-chairperson
of the SABS TC 184, filled the audience in
on the general content and how to use the
standard to manage risks at events. Some
of the items covered include health and
safety responsibility, safety planning, risk
8 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
ready to rejoin the fast lane. Thesen Islands
offer views of the emerald hills surrounding
Knysna, the ever-changing moods of the
lagoon and the majesty of the sandstone
cliffs, known as the Knysna Heads, guarding
entry from the ocean. While secluded and
ensconced by nature, the centre of town is
within walking distance. Situated on these
islands in the middle of the Knysna lagoon,
the Lofts Boutique Hotel offers peace and
tranquillity to everyone looking to break
away from the bustle of the boardroom.
On offer is a variety of stress-relieving,
energy-enhancing, anti-aging, health and
nutrition programmes aimed at stimulating
personal growth. Improve your mental
clarity, memory and concentration while
relaxing with world-class treatment
therapies. Developed for corporate,
special interest and teambuilding groups,
the programmes are aimed at groups of
The Soweto
Hotel has 46
deluxe standard
rooms and two
presidential suites
home; the old Sun Suzi Cinema; Jada’s place;
the first mosque in the township and the
post office, which was sometimes used
as a holding cell. The area is also home to
locations where award-winning/nominated
movies like Tsotsi, District 9 and Chicken
Business were shot. Also nestling on the
square is a glamorous four-star hotel offering
guests a township-style sleepover by prior
assessment, planning and management,
venue and site design, incident and
emergency planning, waste management,
events on or near water, children at events,
performers at events, and the media, to
name but a few.
“SANS 10366:2009 edition two is a
culmination of 11 years of work and comes
just in time for the 2010 Soccer World
Cup,” says Baxter. He also mentioned that
the standards are a reminder tool and most
useful in event post-mortems.
The Gauteng Department of Health’s
Dr Vernon Wessels, gave the perspective
of the department regarding revised and
expanded standard.
“We need to be realistic when regulating
medical support at events, under the
four to 10 people, although larger groups
are welcome. The outcome of these
programmes is enhanced by being in a
group and sharing the fun, stimulation and
inspiration.
The programmes are presented
throughout the year and cover a
variety of subjects such as boosting
your inner strength to reach your full
potential, restoring your inner power, and
understanding, managing and overcoming
the emotional, physical and financial costs
of stress. An underwater adventure is also
on offer. All of these are presented at or
within close proximity to the Lofts by a team
of internationally experienced health and
beauty therapists, doctors and trainers.
For more information or to book a retreat,
contact Rhoda or Theo Barkhuizen at the
Lofts Boutique Hotel on +27 (0)44 302 5710,
or visit www.thelofts.co.za.
arrangement. For conferences and events,
there is the Walter Sisulu multipurpose hall,
which accommodates up to 3 000 delegates,
and a fully furnished conference centre at
STIC for groups of less than 100 people.
Walter Sisulu Square ‘e’ Kliptown gives
visitors a new experience and shows them
what a township is supposed to be. It is
township life turned classic, sophistication
at a new level, a total completion of what
freedom is, all encased in one. There you’ll
eat, live, sleep and breathe Kliptown at its
best, and savour what others are still longing
to see. It is where the beating of drums is
heard calling all nations to gather, as the spirit
of ubuntu is unleashed , shining new hope to
those once disadvantaged, and raising jubilant
vibrations as stories of long ago are told.
health act. However, it has been difficult to
establish a South African model owing to
the varying nature of events hosted around
the country. And international models are
not always practical in South Africa owing
to a different scope of practice, resource
availability and acceptable risk or benefits,”
Wessels explained.
It must be noted that practical application
has largely been implemented in the
standard. Overall, it is crucial that the
industry adopt the standards as, in the
words of security management and SAPS
training specialist, Colin Armstrong, “People
want to feel safe at events”.
For more information or to obtain a copy
of the standard, please contact Fikile on
+27 (0)12 428 6047.

Conferencing
between history
and nature
De Hoop Opstal
Companies looking for a new and unique
conferencing venue need look no further
than the De Hoop Nature Reserve, as the
De Hoop Collection recently upgraded
its conferencing facilities. The venue is
set in the beautifully historic Langhuis in
the Opstal, which has been restored and
now includes the latest audio-visual and
conferencing equipment. The venue caters
for between 20 and 80 delegates, and
can be partitioned off to provide a more
intimate setting for smaller groups. The
De Hoop Collection, which manages the
wide range of accommodation types in the
De Hoop Nature Reserve, offers specially
created conference packages, inclusive
of meals, conferencing facilities and
accommodation, should conferences run
for more than a day. The De Hoop Nature
Reserve is a three-hour drive from Cape
Town and provides visitors with a complete
break from the city. Rich in rare species of
fynbos and home to a wide variety of birds
and animals, it is famous for offering some
of the best whale-viewing opportunities
in the world. Some 40% of the world’s
southern right whale population arrives
on its shores each year to breed. The De
Hoop Collection provides a wide selection
of accommodation types, from fully- to
self-catered options across a broad budget
range. Overnight conference groups will
find that accommodation varies from the
homely and comfortable to the luxurious.
The on-site Fig Tree restaurant provides
breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte and
will cater for all conference meals. The
De Hoop Collection also offers a range of
guided walks and ecotourism activities,
which are well suited to teambuilding
events, should conference groups require
these. In addition, the establishment
is in the process of developing extra
teambuilding offerings.
New state-of-the-art Total relaxation,
conference venue in and mind and body
Constantia Valley pampering
Steenberg Hotel recently opened its new
conference and function venue, called the
Meeting Room. Located on the Steenberg
Estate in the picturesque Constantia Valley,
it is set to distinguish the Steenberg Hotel
as a preferred conference and business
destination in Cape Town. Just 20 minutes
from the Cape Town city centre, the new
venue is located within a serene garden
setting across from the reception area of
the luxurious five star boutique hotel. Seating
30 delegates, it is ideally suited for small to
medium-sized conferences, as well as product
launches, seminars, directors’ meetings or
corporate events and functions. Housed in
what was previously the Steenberg Wine
Tasting Room, the Meeting Room boasts
a large terrace opening onto breathtaking
views of the vineyards and mountains.
With stylish, contemporary decor, it has
been designed to epitomise the ultimate
in professional conferencing aesthetics,
complete will the latest video-conferencing
equipment, called ‘easy meeting’. Without
complicated set-up procedures, this
advanced video-conferencing system will
instantly connect the conference room
via a short access number to any number
of separate locations around the world
simultaneously. With the conference venue
located just metres from the hotel guest
rooms, delegates have access to luxurious
accommodation and the finest hospitality.
A selection of conference and function
packages are on offer, including breakfast,
lunch and dinner options, with an express
menu also available for swift dining between
sessions. Meals are served at the recently
transformed Catharina’s Restaurant, only
a few steps from the conference venue,
where delegates can savour dishes from
executive chef, Garth Almazan’s outstanding
menu, including the new meat-free Monday
vegetarian menu option.
The Meeting Room epitomises the ultimate in
professional conferencing aesthetics
P R O D U C T N E W S
The most prestigious
Maotla Boutique
Hotel & Spa
Within the beautiful landscapes of Pretoria
East lies the most prestigious Maotla Boutique
Hotel & Spa. This exclusive destination is
preferred by high-profile local and international
visitors, who prioritise privacy, security,
elegance, finesse and tranquillity. The hotel
has 12 spacious en-suite bedrooms, finished in
classic Egyptian-style furniture. The bathrooms
all have frameless showers each with a bath
fit for a king. Complementing all the rooms
are the 32” LCDs, air conditioners, mini-bar
fridges, and open relaxation areas. The
interior designer of Maotla has harmonised
the feel of this luxurious venue with highly
exclusive finishes. The style and taste of
decor brings life and esteem reflecting total
ambience of the venue. In complementing
the accommodation of VIP visitors, the hotel
has a five-star chef offering a fine dining
experience. Guests at Maotla have been known
to include international and local celebrities,
business executives, heads of state, leading
personalities and visitors who are particular
about quality, healthy food, and excellent
beverages. Room service is 24/7 to ensure a
homely and personalised experience.
Maotla is able to fulfil even the most
discerning gourmet needs from offering
a continental breakfast accompanied by a
healthy hot breakfast to a romantic candle-
lit five-course dinner. Dishes varying from
nasi goreng and sun-dried tomato and
Emmenthaler quiche for brunch to Rooibos
tea-smoked kingklip or dukkah-crusted Karoo
lamb. The resident spa offers clients total
relaxation, mind and body pampering.
The order of the day is starting all
treatments with an essential oil sauna
session, which helps with blood circulation
before proceeding to a treatment of choice.
The in-house products used include award-
winning brands, Elemis and Ahava, which are
internationally and locally recognised and
guarantee professional body treatment based
on researched trends.
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 9
 T A L K I N G P O I N T S
Price gauging during the Soccer
At this stage, what evidence
is there of price gauging
in South Africa during the
Soccer World Cup and who,
to your knowledge, are the
culprits, if any?
What are the consequences
associated with price
gauging?
What are the reactions of
internationals – be they
private individuals, executive
travel companies or sports
tour operators – in light of the
apparent exorbitant prices
associated with the Soccer
World Cup?
What, in your opinion, is
the correct way to go about
pricing for an international
event of this scale to ensure
positive experiences for
international tourists and
a lasting legacy for South
Africa’s tourism industry?
10 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
Hospitality Association of Southern Africa
Mmatšatši Marobe, CEO of the Tourism
Brett Dungan, CEO of the Federated
Business Council of South Africa
(Fedhasa)
We must be careful not to label certain business practices Fedhasa categorically states that
as price gauging. It should be expected that there will be a contracted hotels, which make up
general inflation of prices for goods and services wherever the majority of the accommodation
major international events such as the World Cup take place. provided, do not and will not fall into
This has happened in other parts of the world where events of this category. From the information we
this magnitude were hosted. One must note that the tourism have, the tour operators and airlines
industry regards this period as peak season where the demand seem to be the biggest culprits, but we
for accommodation, transport and other tourism amenities will will evaluate every case on its own merit.
be high. Given the increase in demand, prices are set to increase.
Are there situations, across the sector, where businesses are
charging prices that exceed the normal peak seasonal prices?
There have been reports of such instances in the accommodation
and transport sectors. But we do not see a growing trend of
established tourism businesses adopting this approach. Remember
that the major tourism organisations, for example hotel chains,
have contracted their rooms to MATCH Hospitality and are using
the MATCH formula for room pricing.
There would be detrimental effects on several levels: it will create It leaves a bad legacy for the country,
a negative perception about South Africa as an attractive tourist the possible perception being that is
destination. As a result, the people we want to attract – especially was not value for money and with all the
those coming from new markets where they are not widely information available to the travelling
exposed to South Africa as a tourist destination – will not return public, they will know that they have
after the World Cup. At a country level, we will pay a high price been ripped off. However, the last room
for the negative perception. All the advances the government has in the inn on a busy night will always be
paid for the hosting of the World Cup will go down the drain. At a the most expensive.
product/service level, the tourists will stay away, which will result
in loss of earnings for business. It will spoil our chances of South
Africa hosting other major events such as the Olympics.
Reactions to reports about pricing issues have been sporadic and These people are feeling frustrated as
have mostly been discussed in the media. Reactions at company or an overall result of the international
tour-operator level have also been sporadic. This could be because, economic situation and not specifically
in most instances, the first port of entry in the purchase of travel as a result of this event.
packages is through MATCH Hospitality. Through its website www.
match-ag.com, it has put together a combination of ticket and
travel packages that are competitively priced. I would urge tourists
to consider some of the packages they offer and compare with
other service providers.
The World Cup tournament must be seen as an opportunity to The hotels, in their normal pricing,
profile South Africa as an attractive, value-for-money destination. have their peak season rate and if your
We must have a long-term vision and see the broader value of establishments fall in an area where
hosting the World Cup. Tourism businesses must provide excellent demand exceeds supply, then those
service and adopt fair pricing models. Let’s us not be greedy and rates will apply.
forget that these tourists, especially international tourists, will
become our destination’s ambassadors.

World Cup
There’s been much talk of accommodation and other tourism service providers’
prices sky rocketing as the 2010 FIFA World Cup approaches. Meetings
SA draws on expert opinions regarding price gauging and the consequences,
should South Africa develop an international reputation of being overpriced.
Michael Tatalias, CEO of the Southern
Africa Tourism Services Association
Michael Tatalias forwarded the following evidence of price gouging to
Meetings SA: UK journalist Charles Starmer-Smith, wrote in his article
in The Telegraph on 12 December 2009, that “Research this week on
Hotels.com, the accommodation website, showed that a four-star,
centrally located Cape Town hotel, which from 28 May to 5 June charges
£68 (approximately R820) per room per night, is raising its rate on
11 June, when the tournament gets under way, to £395 (approximately
R4 700). That is a rise of 480% and makes its rate £120 (approximately
R1 400) more than the Ritz in London charges for a double room during
the same period. Room rates at a five-star boutique hotel in Bantry Bay,
Cape Town, will rise from £58 (approximately R700) per night to £312
(approximately R3 700)– an increase of 438%”.
The consequences are plenty. The first is the reputational one which,
should South Africa be labelled as ridiculously expensive, will take a long
time to be undone. Another issue arising could be that those who have
already purchased tickets for the World Cup but are finding the trip here
working out to be too costly, may in the end choose not to come at
all. Tourism providers guilty of price gouging send out mixed messages
of a unified tourism front and ultimately do themselves in by annoying
and severing relationships with their trade partners (and people in the
industry are known to have long memories).
Foreigners are not stupid and most certainly don’t want to pay over-the-
top prices. The outlook of international sports tour operators is that they
simply won’t send people to South Africa if they’re going to be taken for
a ride. People overestimate the appetite of the consumer. Since we’re only
starting to recover from the recession, consumers are generally being
very careful with their money. This could result in them choosing rather
to stay home, invest in a big-screen TV, and enjoy the football with their
families and friends.
Any accommodation providers not contracted to MATCH need to be
realistic about their rates during the Soccer World Cup. There’s no need
to go cheap, yet they shouldn’t be excessive either. Regarding airfares,
though MATCH was happy with the rates, it’s pleasing to see that
government is doing something about the exorbitant prices being charged
for domestic flights during the event. It must be noted that international
airfares are equally as high. Any tourism provider quoting unrealistically
high rates is not going to get business. Therefore, quoting realistic rates
will see everyone in the industry benefiting in the long term.
T A L K I N G P O I N T S
Emlyn Bul, Kololo Game Reserve:
sales manager
Price gauging is everywhere, from airlines to hospitality. There
are many causes and culprits: some accommodation is sold
through more agents than normal, who all put up their rates by
a certain percentage. In addition, there is such a high demand for
accommodation in the host cities that various accommodation
establishments in the areas in question have put their prices up.
Ultimately, I think we will see that the actual demand will plummet
substantially resulting in the high prices having to come down.
The consequences will be the same as what has happened in all
big cities where previous large-scale international events – such
as the Olympics and other world cup events – took place. The
tourism numbers drop substantially for a marked period after
the event. Consequently, short-term greed leads to people
inevitably staying away in the long term.
The reactions of internationals have been very noticeable, with
36% of tickets left unsold. People are still suffering from the
aftermath of the economic downturn and are not rushing to buy
tickets at the given prices. Few will wait for the prices to come
down, and many will not come at all.
I feel that everybody should be able to benefit from the Soccer
World Cup. However, we are all ambassadors of this beautiful
country and we leave a business card that should echo a
sentiment of value for money and not scream of a complete
rip off. At Kololo, we have maintained our normal pricing during
the event. In addition, I don’t feel it right for rates to be fixed
by a third party or government. Ultimately, people should have a
long-term plan in mind, focused on return business rather than a
short-term plan of making a quick buck.
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 11
 I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
Getting sustainability
into perspective
s with the old pendulum example,
issues have a way of running to
excess before they come back to
something that represents a
logical balance between the idealistic and
the realistic. For some years, the green
movement has been on an upswing and
while most people have now adopted a
reasonable level of expectation about
environmental responsibility, there are
always those who, for various reasons, want
to push the agenda as far as it will go.
In the case of the meetings arena, the odd
thing is that there are many of us who are
devoting more energy to the green issue
than we are to making the arguments about
the value of meetings themselves – which
is ironic given that this may well result in a
drastic effect on our collective future.
Many within our industry have become
almost obsessive in their promotion of the
green agenda, even to the point where
there is now a significant gap between
what kinds of facilities and programming
can be delivered as well as what most client
groups are demanding (or, in an even better
test of sincerity, are willing to pay for). To
a certain extent, this is a good thing as it
demonstrates that we are getting our house
in order on an issue where there is a lot of
public concern.
The problem is that in many cases, this
has been at the expense of advancing our
own arguments as to why face-to-face
meetings remain an important element in
global economic, professional and cultural
development – a factor that needs to be
balanced against the inevitable effects
associated with the travel required to attend
those meetings.
About the author
Rod Cameron is the director of programming
and international development for AIPC. AIPC
is the pre-eminent international association
of convention centres, with a mission of
encouraging, supporting and recognising
excellence in centre management. For more
information, please contact marianne.de.raay@
aipc.org or visit www.aipc.org.
12 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
by Rod Cameron
That travel factor is never going to go
away however green we make our events
and facilities. So maybe it’s time for us to
recognise that the only meeting that has
no environmental impact at all is the one
that doesn’t take place – not exactly a great
business development strategy. Instead,
concentrate a bit more on balancing the
discussion about why a certain amount
of impact is a small price to pay for what
meetings accomplish and the advances they
bring about for the global community.
This doesn’t mean abandoning our support
for sustainability. That’s pretty much built
into everyone’s programme these days and
will remain a key element for the foreseeable
future. But if anyone should be promoting
the idea of getting the green issue into
some kind of perspective, it should be us.
There are and will continue to be lots of
people (and self-interests) promoting the
green agenda. So shouldn’t we be devoting a
bit more time to promoting our own?
The fact is, there are a whole host of
reasons why conventions, and convention
centres in particular, will always be driven
to higher standards of sustainability, and
these are only partly related to the market.
Centres are overwhelmingly government
owned and community sensitive, which
means that they are likely to be among
the first to adopt sustainability measures
regardless of what the market demands.
Increasingly, they are also adopting
standards that demonstrate their
environmental qualities as part of building
codes, community standards and a host of
emerging formal certifications.
The bottom line is that even the most
zealous among us need not worry that our
sector is going to become environmentally
regressive any time soon since we have, as
both a society and an industry, already gone
way beyond that, and will inevitably continue
to improve in the years ahead. Something
better to worry about is the fact that as
the green arguments reach fever pitch in
some quarters, it is our industry that will
suffer. In fact, there is now a growing list of
powerful organisations calling for significant,
defined reductions in business travel and
meetings participation – music to the ears
of those engaged in providing technological
alternatives and bound to resonate as well
with governments and corporations eager
for an excuse to reduce travel-related
spending. What is fascinating is that we
may have brought this on, at least in part,
by our own actions, focusing on the green
agenda to the near-exclusion of pretty much
everything else. We might instead be arguing
about the value and importance of the
events that make up our industry.
And it’s not as though there aren’t
some pretty good arguments. Meetings
and conventions are typically where the
most significant global exchanges take
place, leading to everything from medical
and technical advancements to cultural
enhancement and the creation of a better
understanding and interaction among
different groups worldwide. Does anyone
really think that the world will become a
better place if we all stay at home and
communicate via the Internet? Are we really
prepared to continue our push for even
more aggressive environmental measures
when the inevitable result is that fewer
people will be able, or even want, to travel
to engage with their colleagues around
the world?
Environmental standards are not going to
move backwards. The point has been made,
and we are all beyond waving placards and
into the stage where responsibility and
sustainability are simply expectations that
must and will be satisfied.
So, let’s start applying ourselves more
effectively to the other side of the
argument, that the green agenda needs
to be tempered by the realisation that
life can’t simply come to a halt because
that’s the most ‘sustainable’ thing to do,
and that we need to accept the fact that
there are intelligent trade-offs to be made
if we are going to continue our use of
face-to-face encounters to progress as
a society. Because if we, as an industry,
don't make that argument, it's hard to
imagine who else will.
I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T

MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 13

 I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
Time for a
long-term approach
ust a few months from now, we will
refer to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in
the past tense. Strange, but true!
The 2010 tourism machine is working
and the industry is ready to deal with the
influx of supporters, officials, guests and
media expected to arrive from as early
as April. Every aspect of the tournament
has been planned down to the smallest
detail and now, it is merely a matter of
implementation. I don’t have a single doubt
in my mind that South Africa will deliver a
top-class event with the warmest hospitality
on the planet.
What does leave one with a real concern,
however, are the reports of overpricing
that are coming to the fore. Fact is,
international travellers are very informed
these days and recognise a rip-off when
they see it. This is especially true in the
tough economic climate that prevails in
most parts of the world.
If we have the long-term sustainability of
our tourism industry at heart, we simply
cannot afford to price ourselves out of the
market in the short term. This applies to
both leisure and business tourism businesses
across the board.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to show the world that we are up there
with the best. The long-term benefits are
Carol Weaving, managing director of Thebe
immense and worth waiting for. Tourism can Exhibitions & Projects Group
truly turn into South Africa’s new gold and
we can make it happen. for even the smallest request, any time of
Consequently, it is critical that we leave the day or night.
the legacy of a destination that works, that Right now, we are all investing in our shared
is exciting and that offers value for money, future. Let’s take care to make sure that
the legacy of a tourism industry that caters our investment is careful and clever.
 Johannesburg | South Africa

WELCOME TO THE VENUE OF CHOICE.

You’re planning your next event and as always it can be nothing
less than perfect. You want a modern facility, plenty of flexibility,
excellent service from highly experienced professionals and most
of all you need a central location. Then look no further than the
Sandton Convention Centre.
No matter how big or small the task, our team of highly
experienced conferencing operations and hospitality staff will
add their passion and commitment to your occasion. Your perfect
event is waiting to happen in the heart of Sandton, come and
speak to us, we’re ready to listen.

* Proud hosts of Miss World Pageant 2008.

Maude Street, Sandown, 2196, P.O. Box 782553, Sandton, 2146, Johannesburg, South Africa Telephone + 27 11 779 0000 Facsimile + 27 11 779 0001
Email info@saconvention.co.za Web www.saconvention.co.za A Tsogo Sun Development

STANDING TALL IN AFRICA

HKLM 3095
 M E E T I N G P L A C E S
Meetings Africa 2010
is bigger and better
eetings Africa 2010, a South
African Tourism initiative, saw
industry players from across Africa
and further afield coming together for the
biggest event of its kind on the continent.
Meetings Africa, now in its sixth year,
took place from 24 to 26 February 2010,
and showcased top Southern African
conference and event venues, incentive
travel destinations, various industry
support products and services. This
annual event caters for conference,
exhibition and events organisers, meeting
planners, corporate travel agents and
incentive travel specialists from across the
world. The arrival of a number of hosted
international buyers from South Africa’s
major international business tourism
markets – including the UK, the USA and
Germany – added a global flavour to
the event and enhanced the experience
16 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
for local corporate visitors. Sandton
Convention Centre (SCC), together with
other key partners – including the Gauteng
Tourism Authority, the Johannesburg
Tourism Company and the Department
of Trade and Industry – saw an influx of
approximately 3 000 visitors over the three
days, which included local corporate buyers,
an estimated 150 hosted international
buyers and a large contingent of local and
international media representatives.
Two other high-profile tourism events
ran parallel to Meetings Africa at the same
venue. The first-ever meeting of tourism
ministers of the G20 countries was held,
with the theme: ‘Travel and tourism: Stimuli
for G20 economies’, together with the
UN World Tourism Organisation/South
Africa Summit on Tourism, Sport and
Mega-Events. The summits, with CNN as
an international media partner, provided a
forum to debate and discuss the impact
of mega-events – particularly sports,
culture, exhibitions and entertainment –
from a tourism perspective.
Karin White, general manager: sales and
marketing at SCC, had this to say about
the array of events that took place at
the premier convention centre: “We have
had a memorable week in the history of
business tourism in South Africa. I am
particularly encouraged with the year-
on-year growth of this segment of the
tourism industry.
Our track record in hosting major
international and domestic events is
recognised around the world, and we
are looking forward to hosting Meetings
Africa next year in our world-class
venue. This event provides a great
opportunity to network and learn and,
this year in particular, we have used it
as a platform to set the tone for the
much-anticipated soccer spectacular.
“Meetings Africa is a must-attend
event on the tourism calendar for
anyone involved in the conference
and meetings industry. If you are
a conference organiser, meetings
planner, corporate travel agent, run a
destinations management company or
are involved in securing and coordinating
events, Meetings Africa will set the
stage for you to acquire knowledge,
extend your business contacts and
become energised for the exciting year
that lies ahead,” concludes White.
Karin White, general manager: sales and
marketing at SCC
 M E E T I N G P L A C E S

Cape Town and the Western Cape

SA’s hottest meeting’s destination The Pavilion
Conference Centre

Join Meetings SA
as we head down to
the south-western
tip of Africa, to
the Western Cape,
a province that
is recognised as
one of the most
beautiful places
on earth.

ccording to David Frandsen, executive manager: international

marketing at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention
Bureau, “Cape Town is gaining global ‘talkability’. Our value
for money and cutting-edge conference facilities – complemented
by the expertise of the local business tourism industry, excellent
accommodation options and one of the world’s most spectacular
destinations – have positioned the Mother City and the Western Cape as
De Hoop - Jewel of the Cape
an ideal host for important association conferences and incentives.” • Luxury self-catering accommodation • Weddings • Conferences • Restaurant

Leading venues
Opened in June 2003, the Cape Town International Convention Centre
(CTICC) has undeniably put Cape Town on the MICE map, welcoming
some 3 million delegates and visitors since it was opened. A convenient
location at the gateway of the city provides delegates with easy access
to transport terminals and major road networks. In the last five years,
CTICC has grown its reputation across various industries, playing host
to major medical and scientific conventions, consumer exhibitions
and trade shows. There are a number of competitive conference and
exhibition venues in the city aside from the CTICC that offer versatile,
world-class infrastructure, services, and amenities, and can host a large
number of delegates. These include:
• Altantic Imbizo, located in the V&A Waterfront, offers a choice
of five air-conditioned venues that are easily adjusted to meet
clients’ requirements. The centre hosts conferences, functions
and special events from as few as five to as many as 180
delegates or guests. Exclusive in-house catering is provided by In partnership with:
the venue’s resident chefs. www.dehoopcollection.co.za
• The Pavilion Conference Centre, also located in V&A Waterfront, info@dehoopcollection.co.za, 0861 DE HOOP (33 4667) or + 27 28 5421253
has become a regular venue for many annual exhibitions and
corporate events. The Pavilion offers five versatile conference

MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 17

 M E E T I N G P L A C E S
rooms, a 300-seater auditorium, cuisine
tailored to each group’s specific needs,
and an exhibition area. The conference
centre also offers Wi-Fi hotspot
technology as well as a business centre.
• Belmont Square Conference Centre,
located in Rondebosch, has 10 individual
venues, which can accommodate
anywhere from four to 400 delegates.
An in-house caterer creates meals, which
are tailored to suit the individual needs of
each client.
• Spier, set in the shadows of the Helderberg
Mountains and surrounded by vineyards
and indigenous gardens, offers a
conference centre only 20 minutes from
Cape Town International Airport and
30 minutes from the Mother City. The
number and variety of spaces at the
venue means that it can successfully host
meetings, functions and events.
• Aquila Private Game Reserve, the four-
star gem of the Klein Karoo, has gone to
massive effort and expense to source
and reintroduce wildlife into the Cape
region for the benefit of local residents
and visitors alike, offering an opportunity
to experience a Big 5 safari. Aquila’s
conference centre, boma restaurant and
cigar bar, as well as the luxury cottages,
are built from natural materials found on
the reserve such as rocks, river pebbles,
reeds, wood and thatch to blend with the
surrounding environment.
Newest additions
The Western Cape has seen extensive
infrastructure development over the past
few years, with Cape Town being a host city
18 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
Useful contacts for conferencing in the Western Cape
Altantic Imbizo
Website: www.atlanticimbizo.co.za
Spier
Website: www.spier.co.za/hotel/conferencing.htm
Belmont Square Conference Centre
Website: www.belmontsquare.co.za
The Pavilion Conference Centre
Website: www.thepavilion.co.za
Cape Town & Western Cape
Convention Bureau
Website: www.tourismcapetown.co.za
of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and home to
eight of the matches. New hotels and other
accommodation establishments continue to
pop up in and around the Mother City, many
of them with conferencing and banqueting
facilities included, bringing a more diverse
offering to the business tourism industry.
These include:
• Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, located in the
heart of Cape Town, promises that guests
will be ‘blown away’ as they step into this
ultra-cool establishment. The conference
venues include audio-visual equipment
and offer world-class facilities with a
difference, ideal for product launches,
presentations, seminars, workshops and
strategic business meetings. Anton Gillis,
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice’s GM, says: “We
have listened to our guests and using this
feedback, we cater for their needs. Some
of our new facilities include a place to
‘chillax’ at our pool and relaxation deck, a
fun and quirky bar, themed lifts, gourmet
meals offered 24 hours a day, bedrooms
Slanghoek Mountain Resort
* Conferences Team building:
(15 to 80 delegates) • Scenic putt-putt
* Weddings • Lookout point for
(20 to 120 guests) • sundowners
* Catering for groups • Potjiekos competition
* Chalets • Lapa for braais
* Safari tents • Test your farm talents
* Camping • 1 hour from Cape town
Tel: (023) 344 3138 | Email: info@slanghoekresort.co.za |
www.slanghoekresort.co.za
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice
Website: www.proteahotels.com
Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa
Website: www.africanpridehotels.com/crystaltowers
15 on Orange Hotel
Website: www.africanpridehotels.com/15-on-orange-
hotel.html
moyo Blouberg
Web: www.moyo.com
Aquila Private Game Reserve
Website: www.aquilasafari.com
with all you need for business or leisure,
and conference venues with a difference.
Whoever you are, whatever you want,
you’ll find it here or we’ll find it for you.”
• Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, African Pride
Hotel’s latest five-star deluxe offering,
opened in December 2009, in the urban
retail, business and residential hub of
Century City. This 180-bedroomed
luxury hotel, designed with the exacting
business traveller in mind, is without
doubt, a superb addition to the Cape
Town landscape. Offering world-class,
state-of-the-art conferencing facilities,
the hotel is able to cater for select board
meetings, executive get-togethers, as
well as extravagant product (including
cars) launches with its premium 300-
seater facility – a major attraction to
local corporates as well as their national
and international counterparts. On
arrival, guests are enveloped in a sense
of timeless magnificence that has been
effortlessly blended with energetic

Photo by Bruce Southerland: City of Cape Town
Green Point Stadium Crystal Towers bar
radiance through the clever use of
modern design, decor, lighting and sheer
attention to detail on every level.
• moyo Blouberg, situated at Eden on the
Bay in Blaauwberg, is a mere 20 minutes
from cosmopolitan Cape Town. Located
along the unspoiled shores of the West
Coast, Eden on the Bay is inspired by the
natural rhythms of the Atlantic Ocean.
With views of the two most acclaimed
iconic site – Table Mountain and Robben
Island – “moyo will look over them as
a loving African ancestor”. The venue
offers a la carte dining and set menus
for groups; buffet menus are available by
prior arrangement. Although only offering
lunch and dinner sittings, breakfast can
be arranged, for groups of 20 guests
or more. Apart from gorgeous gourmet
moyo Blouberg
menu offerings, guests can enjoy live
entertainment, face painting and hand-
washing ceremonies.
• 15 on Orange Hotel, also an African Pride
property and the latest addition to Cape
Town’s booming luxury hotel culture,
is now open to the public and guests.
Situated on the border of the historic
Company’s Gardens, this stylish and
sophisticated hotel is set to become the
place to be seen for luxury travellers as
well as those who are of the ‘who’s who’ of
the city’s social circles. The quintessential
hotel is the ultimate statement in design-
led lifestyle hospitality. Individual design,
exquisite luxury and first-class service
make way for a superior guest experience.
This dramatic hotel offers 129 exquisite,
ultra-spacious suites, which are
M E E T I N G P L A C E S
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice restaurant
appropriate for leisure seekers and astute
business travellers alike. Unparalleled
public areas such as the seven-storey
atrium, a spa, the Judges Lounge, Savour
Restaurant and the Murano Bar – a few
of its many features – will definitely
be absorbed and appreciated by the
discerning guest desiring an opulent
experience beyond the norm.
With Cape Town being one of the top
business destinations worldwide, and the
Western Cape being home to so many
incredible attractions, delegates attending
conferences in the province really are
spoilt for choice.
And Meetings SA recommends hosting
your next meeting or corporate event in
what is sure to be South Africa’s hottest
business tourism destination.
 M E E T I N G P L A C E S

Boutique hotels

Style & intimacy revealed by Abby Wintgens

he boutique hotel phenomenon Sophistication, extravagance and sheer style are the essence of
has hit South Africa in massive
waves over the past five to seven a boutique hotel, from the gorgeous furnishings and finishes, to
years, with scores of properties the intricate details and sumptuous layouts evident from room
currently in operation countrywide.
Ranging from beautiful and bold to quaint to room.
and quirky, our country’s boutique hotel
offering is most certainly on par with
those the world over.
What’s more is that most of these
boutique hotels now offer world-class
meeting facilities for small to medium-
sized conferences and events.

Banksia Boutique
At Banksia Boutique – a luxury boutique
hotel located in the vibey suburb of
Rosebank, in Cape Town – director,
Shelley Kingston brings to life a new and
sophisticated concept in urban living,
providing guests with an oasis of serenity
and a lifestyle experience.
She explains: “Luxury is revealed at every
turn in this eight-roomed gem, while
handsome architecture and interior design
deliver a satisfying blend of cool European
minimalism and rich classic contemporary
warmth. The individually designed and
decorated rooms are sun-drenched The Grand Daddy, located on Cape Town’s Long Street
sanctuaries, most with a private balcony
or terrace overlooking the pool, garden or the beautiful mountain.” Banksia also Botanical Gardens, and mountain trails in
welcomes conferencing in either of its the Newlands and Tokai forests.
Fast fact two intimate conference rooms, both of
which provide stylish and highly individual Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel
‘Boutique hotel’ is a term popularised in North corporate experiences. From the gentle trickle of water in the
America and the United Kingdom to describe “Our conference facilities are fully koi pond surrounded by natural stone, to
intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel equipped with all the amenities a the rim-flow pool beside earthy tiles, each
environments. Boutique hotels differentiate discerning business person might need, element at the Endless Horizons Boutique
themselves from larger chain or branded hotels including a choice of pre-selected buffet Hotel is artfully selected to promote
by providing personalised accommodation and lunches and teas, enjoyed in the dining harmony and simplicity in a minimalist,
services or facilities. Sometimes known as area alongside the indoor swimming pool,” uncluttered environment of sheer
‘design hotels’ or ‘lifestyle hotels’, boutique hotels adds Kingston. elegance. Situated high above Durban
began appearing in the 1980s in major cities like The hotel’s excellent location means North on Umhlanga Rocks Drive, the
London, New York, and San Francisco. Typically that delegates and guests are in close hotel has a contemporary zen feel, with
boutique hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish proximity of a number the Mother City’s peaked roof structures, wide rock-clad
and/or aspirational manner. They usually are most sought-after attractions, including columns, timber detail and double-volume
considerably smaller than mainstream hotels, the Newlands sports stadiums, a number spaces. It offers its discerning guests the
often ranging from three to 50 guest rooms. of popular restaurants, the CBD, shopping personal service and privacy afforded by
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boutique_ precincts and beaches, the Baxter smaller accommodation establishments,
hotel Theatre, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch yet with state-of-the-art facilities. The

20 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010


Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel
Abalone House boardroom
hotel includes 10 magnificently appointed
luxury rooms, each tastefully decorated in
their own unique contemporary zen style,
inviting guests to restore their energy
in complete comfort and privacy. These
rooms include:
• The dining room at Endless Horizons is
served by cordon-bleu-trained chefs who
have devised a menu, which changes
frequently, to ensure that dishes are
freshly made with seasonal ingredients.
• Public spaces such as the reception area,
dining area, lounge and bar flow into one
another and spill out onto an inviting
pool terrace with magnificent 180º views
of the Indian Ocean.
• Well-equipped conference and function
facilities are available, with expansive
glass doors to enjoy the magnificent
surrounds. The high-tech audio-visual
systems and 12-seater boardroom table
make Endless Horizons the ideal venue
for crucial meetings, medium-sized
corporate conferences or strategic
planning and teambuilding activities for
up to 80 delegates. The hotel’s on-site
professional conference organiser
is available to coordinate clients’
every detail, from accommodation
to seating arrangements, menus and
entertainment, to ensure that an event
runs seamlessly.
Casta Diva
When driving through the somewhat
‘rougher’ end of Pretoria North, one is
pleasantly surprised to happen upon
the oasis of peace, serenity and sheer
elegance that is Casta Diva. Run by Charles
Fridsma and Alejandro Medina-Reyes,
this magnificent four-star boutique hotel
is set on the northern slopes of the
Magaliesberg Mountains within a historic
mansion located on 2 ha of lush sub-
tropical gardens with sweeping palm trees,
massive cycads and an array of ferns. The
venue is ideal for small to medium-sized
conferences, which can be hosted in the
rustic outdoor chapel/conference facility
or in the unique ‘underground’ theatre,
M E E T I N G P L A C E S
which includes a stage, 70 seats, LCD stage
lights, a data projector and sound system.
Although high end and more suited to an
international clientele, the accommodation
offerings at Casta Diva are varied and
include the Main House rooms, which
are located in the old mansion; the Pool
Cottage, a separate building located just
above the venue’s enormous pool; the
Westside Cottage, a separate building
tucked away in the hotel’s gardens;
and the self-catering cottages, three
beautifully decorated and fully equipped
self-catering units.
Casta Diva’s gardens and water features,
bird life and indigenous bush all lend to the
relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Staff
are friendly and knowledgeable, and the
resident chef, Thabang Raditla, serves up
a mouth-watering spread at the on-site
restaurant, Charisma. The menu offering is
set yet can easily be customised to suit the
varied needs of a function or special event.
The Grand Daddy
The Grand Daddy, located on Cape Town’s
Long Street, has the ideal spaces for
conferences, meetings, launches, events,
presentations and more. A beautiful
enclosed veranda, simply called the Venue,
offers a blank canvas for creating a perfect
gathering. It has comfortable upholstered
seating for 65 delegates, which makes it
ideal for a small conference, meeting or
presentation.
The Boardroom brings a sense of
professionalism to the hotel’s venue
offerings. Located alongside the Daddy
Casta Diva, situated on the northern side of the
tropical majestic Magaliesberg, peaceful and
tranquil surroundings offering stunning views. Only
15 minutes of Pretoria City centre, ensures the
peace and ambiance, we offer a true mixture of
the African, European and American hospitality.
Exclusively for meetings and conferences up to 70
delegates, this to guarantee the highest level of
service.
Contact Details
Tel: +27 (0)12 542 4449
Fax: +27 (0)12 542 3082
Email: info@castadiva.co.za
Web: www.castadiva.co.za
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 21
 Within the beautiful landscapes of the Pretoria East lies the most prestigious
Maotla Boutique Hotel & Spa. Maotla Boutique Hotel & Spa is an
exclusive destination preferred by high profile local & international visitors who
prioritize privacy, security, elegance, finesse and tranquility. In complementing the
accommodation of VIP visitors the hotel has five star chefs , offering fine dinning
experience. We offer
• Accommodations
• Conferencing
• Spa treatments
• Executive Business Meetings
• Exquisite dinning, lunch & wine experience
• Day tours
• Golfing packages

Maotla Spa uses products available at only the most exclusive spa`s and salons
around the world. Elemis & Ahava professional spa –therapies are world renowned
for their efficacy, results and powerful massage sequences, combined with the most
dynamic actives available in the world today. Some of the treatments offered.
• Advance Facials for Men & Women
• Essential Dead Sea Slimming Body Therapy
• Full Body Massage
• Aroma Stone Therapy
• Advance Manicure & Pedicures
• Artifical nails
• Bathing Ceremony

Maotla Boutique Hotel and Spa now offers 40 % discount on all Spa
treatments to Hotel Guests. Please enquire about our year end function
as well festive dinner and lunches.

Email: reservations@maotlahotel.co.za or spa@maotlahotel.co.za

Physical Adress: 323 Rosemary street, Grootfontein Country Estate, Pretoria

Cool Bar, the Boardroom seats up to 16
and includes a state-of-the-art plasma flat
screen with the ability to connect to most
laptops for use during presentations.
Daddy Cool is not only a great spot to rub
shoulders with Cape Town’s elite but also
offers an elegant venue for a variety of
functions, birthday parties, part of your
wedding reception, end-of-year office party
or general get-together. And for dinner
parties hosted beneath the African sky?
Grand Daddy offers the Airstream Trailer
Park, as a package for any occasion, with
a beautiful Sky Bar looking up towards
Table Mountain. Events hosted here will not
easily be forgotten. Regarding the decor
at the hotel, the Grand Daddy echoes the
Grand Daddy The Venue
Image credit Ant Smyth
Grand Daddy Boardroom
Image credit Ant Smyth
sentiment that ‘luxury shouldn’t exclude
playfulness’. Consequently, its rooms and
communal spaces are infused with magical
creative touches to ensure that guests are
pleasantly surprised by the unexpected, the
humorous and the interesting. The Grand
Daddy’s big talking point is its ‘penthouse’
trailer park, where a collection of vintage
Airstream caravans nestle beneath the
backdrop of Table Mountain. Each of the
seven two-sleeper trailer suites have been
conceptualised and designed by local artists,
and make for an accommodation destination
like no other.
Abalone House
On 8 February this year, Paternoster’s newest
five-star boutique guesthouse – Abalone
House – opened its glamorous doors for
business. It boasts 10 magnificent suites,
designed around a tranquil, central courtyard.
Eight of the rooms have sweeping sea views
and many have intimate outdoor relaxation
Useful contacts for conferencing at boutique hotels
Banksia Boutique Luxury Boutique Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)21 689 2992
Fax: +27 (0)21 686 2861
E-mail: info@banksiaboutique.co.za
Web: www.banksiaboutique.co.za
Casta Diva
Tel: +27 (0)12 542 4449
Fax: +27 (0)12 542 3085
E-mail: info@castadiva.co.za
Web: www.castadiva.co.za
Abalone House
Tel: +27 (0)73 844 7722
E-mail: info@abalonehouse.co.za
Web: www.abalonehouse.co.za (under construction)
Casta Diva
areas. There’s even a rooftop jacuzzi with a
panoramic sea view.
Owners Johan Jansen van Vuuren and Stef
Venter’s love of decadence and grandeur is
seen throughout Abalone House in the rich
colour palette and opulent furnishings. They
are inspired by the vibrancy of Tretchikoff
and the surreal quality of orchids, and
both are in every room. Renowned interior
designer, Dawid Strauss, is responsible
for the richly layered decor that includes
eclectic treasures from the owners’
personal collection of global memorabilia.
The guesthouse’s intimate boardroom
overlooks the languid pool and tranquil
courtyard, and can seat up to 16 people in
plush high-back chairs. The walls are lined
with books and the venue is fitted with all
the technical and audio-visual equipment
necessary for a successful board meeting or
executive workshop. There is also wireless
Internet connectivity throughout, as well as
a small charming business centre that also
M E E T I N G P L A C E S
Endless Horizons Boutique Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)31 564 0360
Fax: +27 (0)31 563 9387
E-mail: info@endlesshorizons.co.za
Web: www.africanpridehotels.com/endless-horizons-
boutique-hotel.html
The Grand Daddy
Tel: +27 (0)21 424 7247
Fax: +27 (0)21 424 7248
E-mail: info@granddaddy.co.za
Web: www.granddaddy.co.za
Banksia Boutique
offers Internet access. Regarding dining,
Irish chef Nickie Lawson has crafted a menu
to showcase the very best of West Coast
cuisine and fresh local foods. A special chef’s
table also sits to 10 people comfortably in
the kitchen, where guests can enjoy dining
in situ as Lawson creates tantalising dishes.
The sea view Orchid Room is the setting
for breakfasts and high teas. Overlooking
indigenous gardens in the foreground, the
Orchid Room is washed in sunshine where a
myriad of different orchids flourish. Wherever
possible, the guesthouse is eco-friendly too.
Water is solar heated and all kitchen refuse
is separated for easy recycling. There’s even
a worm farm to generate fertiliser for the
surrounding gardens. And of course, waste is
kept to a minimum. So whether you’re looking
for a unique venue or individual event location,
Meetings SA recommends that you surf the
local boutique hotel scene for somewhere
that is sure to suit your needs and leave your
guests or delegates wanting much more.
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 23
 M E E T I N G P L A C E S
All the balls are
set in motion
outh Africa is geared up for its
greatest reveal with the 2010
FIFA Soccer World Cup. What’s
more, the MTN Expo Centre had
an overwhelming end to 2009; with the
refurbishment complete, we bid the year
farewell in true style. And with the Soccer
World Cup being the main focus this year, the
centre is privileged and we look forward to
being the communication pulse of the rest of
the world during the tournament.
The infrastructure within all the halls is
currently undergoing completion as an
estimated 3 000 international journalists
will be bring the rest of the world up-to-
date coverage on the event. The MTN Expo
Centre not only looks forward to hosting the
International Broadcast Centre (IBC), but also
a number of other events showcasing South
Africa’s cultural diversity.
The first event to kick off the year was
Oasys Innovations’ first official family day
with more than 560 people attending. This
event has become recognised as a day
honouring all Oasys employees as Brain
Kennedy, chief executive, positively stated:
“We owe our achievements locally, and in
international markets, to the contributions
our staff have made over many years. To
celebrate this very special occasion, a team
The centre is privileged and we look forward to being
the communication pulse of the rest of the
world during the tournament
24 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
was appointed to arrange an event where
staff had the opportunity to share in the
joy of the fellow employees who all received
certificates for long-standing service. Our
industry is branded as one where workers
come and go, and this event certainly
underscored the stability that we have
maintained through our employee loyalty.”
The MTN Expo Centre also exhibited at Oasys Innovations’ first official family day
South Africa’s leading business tourism
exhibition, Meetings Africa.
Having a presence at the show for the
past five consecutive years has enabled the
venue to bring parts of what it has to offer
to the exhibition. “The potential international
business ventures represented at the show
increase every year, proving that South Africa
remains a key business ally in Africa,” says
Craig Newman, the centre’s CEO. Showcasing
its truly proudly South African brand, the
centre has an array of innovative events
lined up for the rest of the year. The annual
Rand Show, Joburg’s Easter Festival, has
an amazing line–up, including the world’s
strongest man, South African Lipizzaners and
representatives of the Stellenbosch Wine
Route, to name but a few of the exciting
activities. Following the MTN Expo Centre's
parent show is one of the leading building
services and construction trade exhibition
in Africa, Interbuild Africa. Exhibiting to a
niche market, Interbuiild Africa provides a
benchmark for the building services and
construction industry across residential,
commercial and industrial development. After
this, the centre hosts Electra Mining Africa,
the second-largest mining show in the world.
The event provides optimal opportunity
for all stakeholders within the mining,
construction, industrial and power-
generation industries to meet and showcase
pioneering ideas within the industry. The
MTN Expo Centre looks forward to an
exhilarating year ahead and welcomes
everyone to enjoy and experience the venue
in all its glory. “We are all about connecting
people; let us connect you”.
 A D V E R T O R I A L
Signature Life Hotels
Signature Hotels is fast becoming one of Southern Africa’s leading
hotel management companies, having recently added a number of
premier properties to its flagship brand.
S
ignature Hotels is a collection of
stylish and elegant properties, each
accommodation establishment is a
“headline brand” in its own right and is endorsed
by the reputation of Signature Hotels. The group
already has hotels in Johannesburg, Irene and
Franschhoek that are operational, with more
planned for the future.
Signature Hotels’ portfolio
• The Villas at Le Franschhoek: Set on the Le
Franschhoek Hotel and Spa estate, the Villas
are made up of 16 two- and three-bedroom
self-catering units, which are superbly
finished and have breathtaking views.
Extensive meeting facilities are available
within the establishment and on request can
be arranged to be used.
• Sea Five: Located in Camps Bay, the premier
tourist destination of South Africa, Sea Five
offers seven exclusive rooms. The upstairs
rooms all have private terraces while
others have garden suites. The penthouse
suite boasts 360º views of the surrounding
mountains and ocean. Sea Five has a private
meeting room that seats up to 15 delegates.
• The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites: Situated on
Cape Town’s Platinum Mile close to the
CBD, this hotel is ideal for corporate and
leisure travellers alike. It offers 41 luxury
suites, several overlooking the Atlantic
Ocean and world-class beaches. The
Green Point Stadium and V&A Waterfront
26 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
The view from Leisure Bay Luxury Suites
are located nearby. The business centre
includes Internet, faxing, printing and
photocopying facilities with the boardroom
accommodating up to 12 delegates.
• Leisure Bay Luxury Suites: This luxury
suite hotel is set right on the dunes with
panoramic views of Table Mountain and
Robben Island. The hotel’s terrace runs
directly onto the beach and is minutes from
the Cape Town city centre, V&A Waterfront
and Green Point Stadium. The fully
equipped business centre and boardroom
accommodates up to 15 delegates.
• Harbour Bridge Hotel suites: Perfect for both
business and leisure travellers, Harbour
Bridge is ideally positioned on the border of
the V&A Waterfront within the Cape Town
International Convention Centre precinct. The
hotel boasts 40 quality rooms and 18 luxury
suites. The business centre incorporates
Internet, faxing, printing and photocopying
facilities. The executive boardroom
accommodates up to 18 delegates.
• Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel: Set on the
edge of the Simon’s Town yacht basin, with
breathtaking views over False Bay and the
Simon's Kloof Mountains, the Quayside
Hotel is only a 45 minute drive from the
Cape Town city centre. The hotel is suited
to business and leisure travellers; 21 of
the 26 rooms face the Simon’s Town yacht
basin. The hotel offers two fully equipped
conference centres – the Drakensberg
The Villas at Le Franschhoek
The Bantry Bay Luxury Suites
Conference facility caters for groups of
up to 60 and boasts the most advanced of
equipment.
• Life Hotel – New Kings: Located in Sea Point,
this sophisticated boutique property offers
guests 42 spacious designer rooms. New
Kings boasts views of Lion’s Head, Signal
Hill and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has
a private boardroom and state-of-the-art
conference facilities for up to 80.
• Adderley Hotel: Set in the heart of Cape
Town’s city centre, the Adderley Hotel
blends gracious urban historic facades with
chic luxury interiors. Each of the 27 suites
are spacious and tastefully decorated. The
hotel is conveniently situated close to the
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town International
Convention Centre and Green Point Stadium.
The fully equipped business centre
and boardroom accommodate up to 16
delegates.
• Quarters Hotel – Hermanus: Situated in the
heart of the Cape Whale Coast, Quarters
Hermanus is located on the historic
Hermanus Harbour. The hotel offers many
leisure facilities and modern room amenities.
The hands-on management team ensure
efficient service delivery to all the guest’s
needs. The hotel meets many business
executive requirements with a private
boardroom and conference/banqueting
facilities for up to 60.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)31 312 6250
E-mail: info@lifehospitality.com
Website: www.signaturehotels.co.za
 EXCITING CONFERENCING WEBSITE!
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has served the
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venues | speakers | teambuilders

entertainers | service providers & products
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EDITORIAL Abby Wintgens on +27 11 531 3307 • abby@3smedia.co.za

CONTACT AD SALES Caroline Mar n +27 11 454 6051/2 • caroline@pinpoint.co.za MEDIA
E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T
World Cup wellness
by Celynn Erasmus
t’s a fact. Many of us in the Western
world can be described as ‘over fat and
under fit’. Did you know, in a group of
100 adults in the USA, almost 70 will be
overweight or obese, a quarter will have
pre-diabetes, and only three are non-smokers,
not overweight, physically active and eat a
healthy diet?
Quite alarming, we know that healthy living
is the best revenge. Findings from a 2009
study indicated a 80% lower risk of developing
a chronic disease if you are a non-smoker, if
you exercise four hours a week or more, if
your body mass index is <30 and 4, and if you
eat a nutritionally balanced diet.
Studies worldwide have shown the positive
impact of increased activity levels and
improved nutrition habits on energy levels,
overall health, general mood and productivity.
About the author
In a fast-paced world, with exhausting demands
on our time and performance, Celynn Erasmus
vibrantly presents hands-on, real advice that will
help you to work better, live smarter and get the
most out of every day. For more information on
these and other wellness-related teambuilding
activities, contact Celynn on +27 (0)83 656 3096
or visit www.celynnerasmus.co.za.
28 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
So, with the Soccer World Cup right on our
doorstep, why not score your own goal and
become a little more physically active yourself
over the next few months?
Easier said than done? You know you ought
to get moving off the couch, and even
though you may hate the idea, you know
it will do you the power of good. Once you
have a ‘why’, you’ll find a ‘how’, so here are
five reasons why performing more physical
activity will directly affect your bottom line
earnings and improve your financial position:
1. Exercise will improve your mood.
Everyone knows just how contagious a
happy outlook can be, and your clients will
love you for it. Physical activity stimulates
various brain chemicals that leave you
feeling happier and more relaxed than
you were before you worked out. Get
moving and watch those feel-good
endorphins come out and play.
2. You'll also look better and feel better.
Regular exercise may boost your
confidence and improve your self-esteem.
Feeling good is exactly what keeps world-
class event planners at the top.
3. Exercise will boost your energy levels. In
fact, regular physical activity helps your
entire cardiovascular system work more
efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your
heart and lungs work more efficiently,
they deliver oxygen-rich blood and
nutrients to your tissues so you'll have
more energy to do the work you need to.
4. Exercise wards off a plethora of illnesses.
Concerned about heart disease or diabetes?
Hoping to prevent osteoporosis or even
cancer? Physical activity might be the ticket.
What’s more, people who
are more active may live
longer. 5. Exercise helps
you manage your weight.
This one’s a no-brainer.
When you are physically
active, you burn
kilojoules. The more
intense the activity,
t h e more kilojoules you burn
and the easier it is to keep your weight under
control. Exercise also helps manages your
appetite and food cravings.
Some healthy teambuilding ideas
Energise and inspire employees by
incorporating innovative wellness teambuilding
activities such as those mentioned below.
1. Meditainment: This 20-minute interactive
audio-visual relaxation experience uses
multi-sensory meditation techniques to
open and focus your mind. The session
includes interaction, auditory and
on-screen imagery. There are over 70
different combinations of meditation
experiences to choose from, allowing
group meditation to be suited to the
unique preferences of the audience. This
unique relaxation experience is acclaimed
as the ‘ultimate nerve-soother for a
punishing lifestyle’.
2. Cook up a storm: Bring interactive
lifestyle activities to the workplace. A
healthy corporate cook-off is the perfect
hands-on approach that promotes
communication and motivation.
3. Lunch ‘n learn energiser presentations:
By securing talented and informative
speakers, staff will have the distinct
privilege of learning how to eat better
and be healthier without having to leave
the workplace.
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E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T
Exhibiting during 2010
ccording to Reed Exhibitions, the
world’s leading events organiser,
in an increasingly digital age,
exhibitions are the only medium
where the buyer, seller and product physically
come together. “Exhibitions provide a highly
flexible environment in which a wide range
of sales and marketing objectives can be
achieved, from generating sales leads and
launching new products, to building brand
image, maintaining customer relations and
appointing new agent.” Exactly how does one
achieve all these fantastic objectives with a
conventional exhibition stand and having to
watch where every is penny spent?
Scan Display’s MD, Justin Hawes explains:
“The Modulbox is a new cost-effective
‘exhibition stand in a box’, which is proving
very popular among our clients. They like
its quick set-up time and versatility, and it
can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The product is manufactured locally, which
ensures that prices are kept competitive in
relation to conventional exhibition stands. We
used the Modulbox to create Scan’s stand
at last year’s Markex World of Events show
in Johannesburg and its innovative, modular
design received rave reviews.” COO of Oasys
Exhibitions, Carl Woodland, offers some
varied advice: “While custom shell schemes
provide for pretty standard solutions, custom
designs truly set the brand apart from all the
others in the same environment. Innovation
comes through design while the allied
products extend from creating an ambience
through lighting and the strategic positioning
of props, of which a great assortment can be
hired on the open market, or new ones can
be created in support of the overall message.
Every supplier has their own inventory,
yet at Oasys our ownership extends from
new totally enclosed and safe electrical
distribution boards, to long-arm spots and
a huge assortment of furniture, which was
launched on 28 January 2010 at the Sandton
Convention Centre.”
Generating stand traffic
Ultimately, all exhibitors want to attract
quality visitors to their stand in hope of
developing long-term sales and marketing
leads. With each year come new trends in
generating stand traffic, and in 2010 it seems
30 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
Exhibitions continue to remain
a rather costly business,
yet they’re also one of the
most effective mediums for
establishing and maintaining
customer relations. Meetings
SA gets in touch with leading
industry experts to find out
more about maximising your
ROI when exhibiting.
Oasys Innovations: Mamelodi Sun
Scan Display: Stand with colour washing
Oasys Innovations: GautengTourism
Scan Display: Modulbox on the beach
that both fabric and LED lighting on stands
are becoming increasingly popular.
Hawes reveals: “Both are cost-effective
materials that can be used to dramatic effect
on a stand. Fabric is being used more and
more to replace traditional stand materials
such as wood and laminates. It saves clients
money, as they are able to reuse fabric panels
over a couple of exhibitions. Fabric is also very
tactile and draws people to a stand – many
people cannot seem to resist touching or
brushing an eye-catching piece of fabric.
“Lighting has become a key design element
when creating an exhibition stand with
many stands using light colour washes over
the whole stand for maximum effect. LED
lighting provides a warm, white light, which
is very appealing to the human eye. It is also
a greener option as LED lights are low cost
and burn at a lower temperature, making
them safer. They also use less electricity than
conventional lights. Although the initial cost
is slightly more, LED bulbs last significantly
longer than conventional options, making
them cost effective in the end.”
According to Woodland, there is nothing
that beats the PR efforts of the end-user,
with their clients or prospective markets,
attending the show and viewing whatever is
on offer. He adds: “Unfortunately, many end-
users believe that by exhibiting at a particular
show, the onus is on the organiser to direct
visitors to their stands. The organiser is
merely a facilitator and the more innovative
the PR programme of the end-user in
drawing the decision makers to their exhibits,
the greater the opportunity for success. This
may come at an additional expense for the
end-user, but if professionally done it will be
an investment.”
Consider this
Prior to booking a spot at your industry’s
upcoming trade show and putting the
abovementioned advice into action, Hawes
strongly recommends that one considers the
following five points:
1. What is your objective behind exhibiting
at this particular exhibition? For example,
if you are looking to generate leads,
what procedures will you have in place to
qualify and collect leads on your stand?
2. What pre-show promotions do you have
 E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T

Fast market penetration you and the client can sit and talk.
4. Is you staff properly trained? Your staff
At an exhibition, you can reach a large proportion of the market in a short space of time. Whether you are need to be specially trained to operate an
looking to raise your company profile, change market perceptions or generate sales leads, you can achieve exhibition stand. For example, they need
more in the days at an exhibition than you might otherwise achieve in months. to know how to interface effectively
Source: www.reedexpo.com with visitors, how to qualify leads at the
show and how to manage any electronic
equipment on the stand.
5. What post-show follow-ups are
scheduled? Exhibiting is a wasted exercise
if all the leads collected are not followed
up timeously. Likewise, any networking
connections that were made need to be
explored and strengthened to reap the
full benefit of exhibiting.
So, are you still thinking you simply can’t
afford to have a presence at that all
important upcoming industry exhibition?
Woodland offers some sound advice:
Scan Display: An example of “Exhibitions are about managing ROI and
use of fabric panels the better the measurement tools, the
more confidence marketers will have in this
planned? You cannot rely solely on an 3. Does your stand design match your medium, even if they scale down on booth
exhibition organiser’s marketing efforts objectives? Your stand design must help sizes and the cost of their presentation. As
to get visitors to your stand. You need you fulfil your exhibition objectives. For long as they have a presence, they can still
to tell your existing and potential clients example, if one of your objectives is to make their brands shine by selecting less
that you will be at the show and why they meet and talk to clients face to face, you expensive designs without doing any harm to
should visit you there. need a meeting area on your stand where their image.”
E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T
Upholding excellence
Industry associations
For anyone new to the business tourism industry, or those who find it all rather confusing, there are
a large number of associations that govern the industry. Meetings SA gets in touch with four of
SA’s leading industry associations to find out more about exactly what they do.
Conferences and
events
South Africa’s conference industry is
becoming increasingly dynamic, with the
country being recognised internationally as a
premier conferencing destination. With the
incessant growth of any industry comes the
need for regulation and a body that ensures
the required standards are met. This need led
to the formal establishment of the Southern
African Association for the Conference
Industry (SAACI) in 1987, which is dedicated
to maintaining and improving the standards
of efficiency and professionalism for the
conference and events industry in Southern
Africa. SAACI is a Section 21 company managed
by a national coordinating board elected every
two years. Active committees are in place
across four branches in KwaZulu-Natal, the
northern territories, as well as the Eastern and
Western Cape. The association has formed the
following special interest groups (chapters):
the conference and events chapter, the
service provider chapter, the venue chapter,
Live entertainment
and events
From concerts, festivals and clubs to theatre,
theme parks and corporate events, South
Africa’s live entertainment industry moves
to an intense beat. However – as in the
conferencing, exhibitions and events industries
– with movement comes growth and so, based
on the UK’s Production Services Association,
the Technical Production Services Association
(TPSA) was born. In 1997, a number of well-
established technical production services
companies and individuals came together to
form an association to serve the needs of both
the live entertainment industry and its clients.
Launched officially in February 1998, the TPSA
is also non-profit Section 21 company.
32 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
the youth chapter. SAACI currently has over
1 200 members, which include conference
trainers, conference buyers, professional
speakers, as well as media and service
coordinators, event organisers, venue
managers, exhibition organisers, conference
providers to the business tourism industry.
The association encourages its members
to play an active role at all levels within the
organisation to help improve the standard of
the conference industry in South Africa. The
association offers its members a range of
benefits. They subscribe to a code of conduct
and can display the SAACI logo – a symbol of
professionalism – in their communication. Any
individual or company wishing to become a
member needs to complete a membership
application form, which is considered at board
level. Regarding professional conference
organisers (PCOs), SAACI has a very stringent
accreditation process in place. This assures the
SAACI national chairperson,
end user of quality service and the highest
Nina Freyshen-Pretorius
professional ethics. Similar accreditation
processes for members of all SAACI chapters
are currently being devised. The association
has also taken the initiative to move towards
the formation of a structure that will
represent all companies in the business
tourism sector that, in all probability, will be
formed in 2011.
The objectives of the association are to:
• attract members who provide services –
wholesale, manufacturing and distribution
sector, as well as venues. Comprehensive
specifically technically related services – to
the live entertainment industry
details on how to become a member are
available on the association’s website.
• represent these members’ interests within TPSA chairperson,
the production services industry Barry Snow
• introduce and maintain international
ethical and safety standards
• uphold and ensure delivery of service
• promote the advancement of knowledge
and skills of its members and the production
services profession.
The association invites membership from
anyone employed as a professional in the
technical aspects of the live entertainment
industry, companies supplying technical
services for the production of events, as well
as conference and event organisers. Associate
membership is invited from the retail,

Exhibitions and
events
With exhibitions and trade shows providing
immense business opportunities and
excellent prospects in investigating
competitive products and services side
by side, these events have become highly
valued by business decision makers.
It is for these and many other reasons
that the exhibition industry has
become highly lucrative. The need for
regulation and industry alignment saw
the development of the Exhibition and
Events Association of Southern Africa
(EXSA) in 1980 as a non-profit organisation
representing organisers, venues, suppliers
and contractors.
The founding objective of the association,
which remains today, is to sustain the
interests of its members, exhibitors and
visitors to exhibitions. A name change was
confirmed in 2008 to include events into
Hospitality
South Africa’s hospitality industry is a
vibrant and constantly growing part of
our tourism sector and the Federated
Hospitality Association of Southern Africa
(FEDHASA) is the only official voice and
lobbying body for the industry,
Also a non-profit Section 21 company,
FEDHASA has – since 1949 – been
representing the South African hospitality
industry on a local, provincial, national and
global level to protect the interests of
all stakeholders of the industry, enabling
members to achieve their objectives.
The association’s direct representation
on various influential hospitality industry
bodies ensures marked negotiating muscle.
These bodies include the TOMSA board, the
Tourism Grading Council of South Africa,
South African Tourism, the Department
of Tourism, the Tourism Empowerment
Council of South Africa, the Department of
Labour and the Tourism Business Council of
South Africa.
FEDHASA operates as a trade association,
lobbying on members’ behalf and
negotiating tangible benefits. It also serves
as an employers’ body, giving employers
direct representation at CCMA level.
Nationally, FEDHASA is led by chairperson
Eddy Khosa and CEO Brett Dungan.
Regionally, it functions with three
E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T
the fold. One of the main objectives of the
association is to increase the significance
of exhibitions and events within the
marketing/communication mix to promote
and grow the industry.
The EXSA board is made up of elected
members from each of the forums
representing organisers, venues, and
suppliers, as well as regional representatives
from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
There is also a chairperson, an immediate
past chairperson and a treasurer on the
EXSA board. Regarding its members, the
association provides a forum for participants
across the exhibition and events industry,
and strict codes of ethics and conduct
have been set for them. Consequently,
clients can make use of a member’s Outgoing EXSA chairperson,
Rina Fortmann
services with extreme confidence. Any
company or individual wishing to become
an EXSA member must note that there is a
process to be completed prior to accepting
membership – application forms are available
on the association’s website.
autonomous regions – FEDHASA Cape,
led by chairperson Phillip Couvaras and
FEDHASA chairperson, Eddy Khosa
executive officer Rema van Niekerk;
FEDHASA East Coast, led by chairperson
Gerhard Patzer and operations manager
Warren Ozard; and FEDHASA Inland,
led by chairperson Caleb Mabaso and
executive officer Nikki Muvodzi. Regarding
its members, they receive daily updated
hospitality headline news and FEDHASA
headline news via the association’s website.
FEDHASA also negotiates various tangible
benefits for their members, including:
• discounts of 25% on SABC TV
licence fees
• credit card discounts
• special rental on machines
• group schemes and financial assistance
• special industry-specific packages on
short-term insurance, among
other things.
Additional benefits include member-
to-member discounts and access to
industry suppliers and service providers,
networking opportunities and sharing
of information at hospitality days, as
well as golf days and networking events.
Access to other important industry
links and information, representation on
behalf of members on industry forums
and government departments are other
benefits. Visit www.fedhasa.co.za and click
on ‘join FEDHASA’ to become a member.
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 33
 CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXSALLENCE

The role of EXSA is to serve the exhibition and events industry in Southern Africa. Our core strategy is to actively grow and
develop the exhibition and events industry within Southern Africa. This is achieved through promoting the unique benefits offered
by exhibitions and events, and raising the profile of our members who include venues, organisers and suppliers.

Tel: 011 805 7272 Fax: 011 805 7273 Email: exsa@exsa.co.za
www.exsa.co.za
 E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T

E is for Marcel Oudejans

entertainment
uncovers the fun and easy
way to make your event a
memorable experience.

xperienced event planners

worldwide would agree that the key
to a successful event is to ensure
that the guests share an experience that
is fun, personal and memorable.
That is why it is so important that the
event planner focuses their attention on
providing a comfortable environment to get
the guests relaxed, talking to each other and
enjoying themselves as quickly as possible.
It really doesn’t matter how elaborate or

Working with experienced

professional event
entertainers is essential to
create an entertaining
atmosphere that will directly
contribute an event’s success

outrageous the venue, how inventive the
cuisine, or how much there is to drink.
While these things can be important to
spark the kind of spirited atmosphere guests
need to have a great time, you want to
ensure that they are quickly able to create
lively conversations.
Working with experienced professional
event entertainers is essential to create an
entertaining atmosphere that will directly
contribute an event’s success. The benefit
of working with experienced entertainers
outweighs the potential problems that
can be encountered when dealing with
the cheapest, amateur or inappropriate
entertainment. Selecting and hiring
professional entertainment for the first
time can be quite daunting, particularly if
there is no plan or not enough information
available. Here are a few suggestions to
help you choose the right entertainment
for your event:
Consider the kind of type of event
If you are hosting an intimate dinner,
you might not want to hire a troupe
of dancing showgirls. Think about the
space available for your event, when
the entertainment will take place, and
whether or not you require a stage and/or
additional sound equipment.
For smaller events you’ll want a mobile
entertainer who engages each person
directly. Appropriate entertainment would

From Johannesburg or Pretoria: Take the M1 Walter Sisulu Square facilities • A fully furnished conference area
South. Take the Eldorado Park/Nasrec off-ramp and include: • Banks
join the Golden Highway – R553. At Union Road turn • A multi purpose conference hall • Retail and Commercial business
right and continue straight for 4.5km until you reach • Dinning foyers • Tourist information Centre
the Soweto Tourism Information Centre at the Walter • A four star hotel • Museum & Eco Museum
Sisulu Square of Dedication.

From Soweto: Take the Old Potchefstroom Road.

Turn south into the Klipspruit Valley Road. Drive
straight until you get to the Walter Sisulu Square of
Dedication.

www.waltersisulusquare.co.za • tel: 011 945 220 • fax: 011 945 2230

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

be a charismatic and fun individual who About the author

everyone can get to know as he or she
South African corporate magician and ‘infotainer’,
moves around the room.
Marcel Oudejans is recognised both locally and
For large events such as award dinners,
abroad as one of the busiest corporate event
year-end functions or launches, you may
entertainment specialists in Africa. Oudejans
still want several mobile entertainers but
specialises in integrating his amazing sleight-of-
you could consider a performance that
hand and engaging personality with compelling
everyone can focus on at once.
presentations on marketing, customer service
This could be a humorous after-dinner
and sales. He serves as the current vice-president
speaker, a comedian, stand-up magician
of the Cape Town chapter of the Professional
or illusionist, a singer, or a band. In this
Speakers Association of Southern Africa, and is a
case, you will be using the performance as
regular guest lecturer at the UCT Graduate School
the main feature of your event. It’s very
of Business. For more information, visit www.
important to consider what stage, audio
corporatemagician.co.za.
and lighting the performer/s may require
when planning this kind of entertainment. Is the entertainment appropriate?
It is important to select the entertainment
How important is interaction with the based on what you think the majority of
entertainment? your guests would find enjoyable, and not
Do you want an entertainer that on what you personally enjoy.
incorporates everything into his/ If the guests already know each other well,
her performance, or do you prefer then you may consider something a little
background or static entertainment? more informal. However, you’ll want to be
Background entertainment will sure to work with a professional, reliable and
contribute to the vibe and a fun consistent entertainer at any event where
atmosphere. Non-intrusive performances your company is represented.
can help fill the room with energy but Be aware of differences in culture
don’t require that everyone pays full and language and make sure to give
attention to them. this information to your prospective
However, their performances could entertainers in your brief.
be forgotten because they lack direct Some forms of entertainment could
personal contact with your guests. contain humour based on innuendo,
Engaging entertainers such as comedians, offensive language, gender, stereotypes,
humorous keynote speakers connect religion or race, so it’s important to
directly with the audience, making consider the fine line between what is and
everyone feel part of the show. In this isn’t appropriate.
case, your entertainer will be remembered A good rule to remember is that there
as the personality at the event. is a difference between a performance
that you would pay to watch and what a
non-paying audience enjoys. In the latter
case, you’ll want to select something that
everyone can enjoy. personal recommendation. If your desired
entertainment is not available, ask them
Always work with credible entertainers who they recommend.
When meeting with your entertainer, ask Genuinely professional performers
as many questions as you like. Do not should know other entertainers who would
PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS
hesitate to make specific requests. If you be suitable for your event, and should
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: feel that the entertainer doesn’t care be able to give you suggestions and/or
Consultancy and Co-
ordination
Budget Management and
Financial Reconciliation
about you or your event, you’re probably recommendations.
Secretariat and Adminis- Conference Transport right. Keep looking around until you find If you know what qualities you’re looking
tration Services Service
Registration and Manage- Pre- and Post- Tour someone you feel comfortable with. for, selecting and booking the right
ment of Participants Services
Accomodation and Travel Abstract and Speaker Find reference letters on your entertainment for your event or function
Management Management entertainers’ websites and do a web search, can be a lot of fun.
Durban: Cape Town:
Tel: +27 31 3039854 Tel: +27 21 9142751 to find any additional positive or negative You’ll be interacting with interesting
Fax: +27 31 3039529 Fax: +27 21 9145493 comments. Taking a moment to read personalities who love to laugh, are
13 Claribel Road, Tyger Park 3, 1st Floor,
Morningside. Of¿ce 103, Willie van Schoor through your prospective entertainer’s passionate about their work, and who are
Avenue, Belville.
list of previous clients gives you the best eager to be in front of an audience. When
nina@confco.co.za indication of the level of experience your you’ve confirmed the right person for
www.confco.co.za
entertainer has. And do not hesitate to your event, you’ll be certain to have just
call previous clients to ask them for a as much fun as your guests.

36 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010


Dining
with angels
’ve never been a fan of heights and
when I received an invite to ‘dine with
angels’ at a Dinner in the Sky event, I
was rather nervous.
Yet, on arrival at the new location of the
experience, situated on the corner of
Montecasino Boulevard and William Nicol
Drive, you’re met with a rather impressive
set-up. A glamorous red carpet leads the way
to the ‘table’, which seats 22 guests in seats
resembling something similar to those of a
roller coaster. Yet, this was no rollercoaster
ride, but rather an amazing and unforgettable
experience towering above mundane
formalities of everyday life.
After grabbing a plate of eats and a couple
glasses of champagne to calm my nerves,
I walked the red carpet to my seat where
the Dinner in the Sky team strapped me
and the other 21 guests in. Soon we were
ready for lift-off. Suspended high above the
Montecasino entertainment complex, I wasn’t
scared but truly astounded at how awesome
the experience really is. If Dinner in the
Sky can ‘wow’ me, it will certainly leave any
prospective business client wanting more.
As a fully equipped, state-of-the-art
business and corporate entertainment
facility, the experience can transform an
ordinary conference or meeting into a
thrilling moment that will leave a lasting
impression. Dinner in the Sky South Africa’s
director, Tyl Hannemann, explains: “The sky
Dinner in the Sky fast facts
• Dining and entertainment at over 30 m in
the air
• Launched May 2006
• Operational in over 32 countries across
the globe
• Over 2 500 lifts worldwide
• 100% safety record
• Built to German TÜV certifications standards
• Fully mobile operation
R E W A R D & D E V E L O P
If you’re looking for a
truly unconventional, yet
unbeatable experience
by Abby Wintgens suspended over 30 m the
air, look no further than
Dinner in the Sky.
table allows you to take the ‘bored’ out of the
boardroom and add some excitement to your
presentation. Any conference or strategic
business meeting can be held at over 30 m
in the sky. This incredible opportunity can be
used for product launches, confidential board
meetings and teambuilding sessions, to name
but a few.”
The company provides all the necessary
infrastructure for an event – such as LCD
TVs, a PA system, headsets, and laptops –
“anything that client requires to enhance
the overall experience”. Each event is put
together to achieve client-specific targets
and desired outcomes.
Not only can you host your event in the sky,
you can also have it fully branded. “A billboard
in the sky is a powerful branding opportunity.
It is sure to be the most unique billboard in
Africa and the envy of all your competitors,”
adds Hannemann.
Background
Dinner in the Sky was launched in May 2006
in Belgium. In November 2007, South Africa
became the second successful operation
in the world. Proudly, the experience now
operates in over 32 countries across the
globe. The South African division of Dinner in
the Sky has been a true pioneer of the brand
by introducing elements like Sports in the Sky
and Business in the Sky.
“Regarding safety, this is top on the
experience’s list of priorities,” says Hanneman.
“That’s why the table is built according to
the German TÜV certification standards. This
is regarded as one of the toughest safety
certifications worldwide. Every aspect of the
concept, from the seat belts to the type of
crane used, has been scrutinised and carefully
considered to ensure maximum safety for
our clients and staff.”
For more information visit www. Dinner in the Sky is ideal for product launches,
confidential board meetings and teambuilding
dinnerinthesky.co.za. sessions, to name but a few
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 37
R E W A R D & D E V E L O P

Experiential marketing by Geoff Saner

Not on your pocket, but in your pocket

xperiential marketing is one of the
four key methods of engagement
with a prospective customer – this
is according to marketing gurus, Derrick
Daye and Brad van Auken, as expressed in
their blog, Branding Strategy Insider.
They’re not talking about the sensation
when that first mouthful of Coke bubbles
hits your palate, or how great you feel
when your rear end sports a designer
label. They mean freebies, like having a
good time at an event that is paid for by
the business host, or getting a sample of a
product to try out.
Experiential marketing is all about touch
points – the more your brand physically
or literally touches on your consumer’s
experience, the stronger your brand
impact becomes.
Experiential marketing is not a new
concept and could require a large
budget, which is not acceptable during
a recession where marketing budgets
are being cut dramatically. It is accepted
that marketing strategies now have to do
more with less and focus on a single and
powerful integrated marketing solution.
Cost-effective experiential marketing is the market have to be determined. The the experiential marketing experience.
the order of the day. Marketers need more traditional forms of experiential One such example is the new debit card
to focus on effective communications marketing are: technology that was harnessed in Europe
with their target market. This can only be • test driving a car and the US some years ago to produce gift
achieved when the target market is well • tasting stations at super markets cards that could not only be loaded with
defined and, once defined, the needs of • a free dinner at a hotel or restaurant cash, but would also be accepted at any
• month’s subscription at a gym for free. retail outlet.
The real value of experiential marketing, Standard Bank was the first to market
especially in a bear market, is the direct this in South Africa, and a range of new-
interaction with a potential customer. All age gift cards is now available which can
waste is eliminated. be swiped anywhere where Mastercard is
When embarking on experiential accepted. The cards provide a freedom
marketing campaigns, the marketer is of choice, which is not possible with
forced to identify potential buyers and store gift cards that may only be used
interact with them directly. at the issuing retailer’s store. Best of all,
the cards make it possible to offer the
Enhancing the experience recipients of the gift cards a ‘shop-till-
There are some new and innovative you-drop’ experience, arguably one of
products on the market that enhance the most coveted activities for today’s
consumers.
The positive connotation with your
The real value of experiential brand is innumerable, and the card will
marketing, especially in a bear possibly stay in a consumer’s wallet for a
market, is the direct interaction with a long time. The great marketing advantage
of these gift cards is that they can be
potential customer
branded, placing a brand in the hands of

38 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010

 R E W A R D & D E V E L O P

the consumer on a continual basis. The test drive that car or download free
cards can be issued as incentive rewards software until all the technical problems
to employees, as gifts to clients, or as have been ironed out. Using a gift card as
company debit cards for managers. You an experiential marketing tool provides
don’t get a closer touch point than in your all of the advantages of experiential
consumer’s own wallet, and this is exactly marketing, but separates the marketing
why the cards offer such great brand campaign from the actual product or
value. The status value is also attractive service, avoiding possible failure.
– managers can display the brand every Providing a person with a gift card,
time they use the card to entertain rather than inviting him or her for a
clients. And with a literal carte blanche of free meal, will avoid the possibility of
possibilities for branding gift cards, it can something going wrong and the potential
be ensured that they have a visual appeal customer having a negative experience.
that reinforces messages to the likes of That said, any marketing campaign – no
‘luxury’, ‘pamper’ or ‘indulge’. The clinching matter how cost effective – would be a
factors are convenience and cost savings. waste if the company is not geared to
For instance, gift cards can be issued in deliver on its offering to the market. In
advance, but loaded or reloaded when providing a positive experience, it is even
you are ready to distribute them, with more important for brand building that
the minimum hassle possible. They can quality policies are in place and that every
even be ordered and loaded online while interaction with the company is a similar
the supplier takes care of all the admin, experience for every customer.
allowing you to eliminate payroll costs of
issuing bonuses.
About the author
Get more R on your I
Geoff Saner is the managing director of Gift
Measurement of ROI is much easier with
Bucks, a company that produces innovative
experiential marketing than traditional
debit cards for corporate and individual use,
marketing. This is owing to the close
providing a cost-effective and convenient
contact between the marketer and a
solution to recognising and rewarding any
potential customer. The link between
person, at any time, with whatever they
experience and sale can easily be tracked.
desire. Saner is also the managing director of
Experiential marketing also offers the
Creative Incentives, one of South Africa's long-
marketer the opportunity to extract
established and leading full service incentive
data about the potential customers,
and rewards companies. For more information,
allowing them to define future marketing
call 0860 392 737, e-mail geoff@giftbucks.
campaigns further.
co.za, or visit www.giftbucks.co.za.
It is also true that while experiential
marketing is highly effective, the
experience can easily become negative
should the quality of the experience
not live up to the expectations created.
Embarking on an experiential marketing
exercise brings a complete new dimension
to ‘walk the talk’.
If you let people taste your new drink
on the market, it is important that it the
drink’s taste is at its optimum. Experiential
marketing, when directly linked to a
product, should only be embarked upon
when the company is sound operationally
and can deliver at a high standard at all
times. For example, do not let someone

MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 39

R E W A R D & D E V E L O P
An unrivalled incentive destination
Knysna’s Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, host of the 2010 French football team, offers an unrivalled
incentive destination on an exquisite 1 000 ha resort with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the
Knysna Lagoon and the Pezula Championship Course.
ocated on the Knysna Heads, on the
scenic Western Cape coast, just a
40-minute flight from Cape Town,
the hotel is an ideal getaway for
executives with a taste for luxury. With
its outstanding facilities and personalised
service offered by professional and
experienced staff, the hotel is able to cater
to the special needs of businesses, incentive
groups and corporate meetings. It offers
a wide spectrum of leisure, sporting and
business facilities.
Accommodation
Provided in 78 spacious and beautifully
appointed suites, accommodation at the
hotel is designed to be utterly indulgent
and completely private. Decorated in a
contemporary African style, the interiors
exude a sense of luxury and comfort, from
the real log fireplaces to the underfloor
heating in the sumptuous bathrooms.
The suites have private balconies or
patios, individual climate control, satellite
television, a DVD player, walk-in wardrobe,
electronic safe and direct telephone. All
suites have Wi-Fi connectivity. A well-
stocked pantry kitchen and drinks cabinet
complete the facilities.
Spa and gym
Delegates staying at the hotel are
encouraged to use the state-of-the-art
40 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010
gymnasium and the hot zone area of the
multi-award-winning Pezula Spa & Gym,
including the 12 m heated indoor pool, sauna
and steam room and outdoor jacuzzi. There
is also a medi-spa facility, a sunbed, hair
salon, men’s barbering facility and nail bar.
A team of highly trained professionals
provides various treatments, including
scrubs, wraps, massages, steam baths, milk
baths, and hydrotherapy.
Dining
Whatever the food preference, Pezula
will create a menu to suit any budget. In
the hotel, Zachary’s gourmet restaurant
is a warm, elegant space that reflects the
five-star luxury of the hotel. Here, executive
chef, Geoffrey Murray, serves up local
produce in his inimitable global style. The
restaurant’s impressive wine list features
local and international wines, and has twice
been awarded an Award of Excellence by
Diners Club International.
The Champagne & Whisky Bar and Cigar
Lounge offers superb settings for pre-
dinner drinks or a nightcap.
The Castle on Noetzie Beach offers
guests access to one of the most beautiful
and secluded beaches in South Africa and
is a stunning venue for private functions
or picnics.
The Boma is the ideal venue for a meal
with an authentic African feel. A rustic
thatched structure houses a bar and log
fireplace where guests can relax at the
elegant safari-style table while the staff
prepare and serve meals.
Activities
Delegates and guests can enjoy beach
activities; guided hiking trails through the
indigenous forests on the resort; canoeing
on the pristine Noetzie River; a game of
tennis, archery or pétanque at the Pezula
Field of Dreams; or an outride on the
resort’s specially bred Cape riding horses.
A number of other activities – such as
lagoon cruises, paint ball, fishing, sailing,
water skiing, bungee jumping and abseiling –
can be arranged in nearby Knysna.
Access
Pezula is easily reached on road from Cape
Town International Airport (520 km), or Port
Elizabeth Airport (260 km).
There are also daily flights from all major
South African airports to George Airport,
which is just 70 km from the hotel. Pezula
also provides transfers by helicopter or
luxury vehicle.
For more information about incentive
packages at the Pezula Resort Hotel
& Spa, visit Pezula’s website at www.
pezularesorthotel.com or
call +27 (0)44 302 3333.
 R E W A R D & D E V E L O P

Keep it simple
What do you need to achieve
with your annual conference?
How will you implement your
strategy through the coming

and profound year? What are major objectives

and how are you going to
unify and then sustain your
team to realise these? Robin
Wheeler investigates.

onferencing can be the most business and they need to grow in themselves their annual conference throughout the year
powerful way to get and keep to bring their best to their work. and beyond to inspire, develop and brand
everyone on track. It can be You need to show them that who they are their people and business, and I am using
expensive but well worth it if done is important for the success of the business simpler, yet more profound tools to do it.
properly. Then you need HR solutions, and that they are in the right place with all Here are some insights and suggestions on
innovative and creative leadership tools, and they need to shift onto the next level. Then keeping it simple, profound and together:
some sort of framework to hold everything they need to shift onto the next level and
together over the next 12 months and keep going. Process is paramount. 1. Promote intelligence
beyond. Hopefully, what you settle on will And you yourself need to grow and thrive, Knowledge is not power because it is freely
be simple yet comprehensive. People need keeping your emphasis on leading rather than available and contradictory. What matters
to speak the same language, grow together, managing. You need to feel inspired by your is insight, which is a function of overall
and bring who they are to the business in an vision for the business and the people to intelligence rather than just intellect. People
uncomplicated yet robust way. And you need the point of living it. Your sponsorship of all need to exercise their own ability and
to be innovative to inspire innovation in them. initiatives is at the heart of them. discretion to be happy, fulfilled and optimal
You need an approach that puts people Increasingly, I am working with clients from contributors.
before profits and
empowers them in 2. Shift from competitiveness to creativity
an inventive way that Struggling over limited resources is very 20th
sustains well-being and century, and quite childish and cheap. Shift to
profits. People need to the creative approach instead. What can your
feel connected to the team bring into being? How can their love
for life; enthusiasm for business, innovative
thinking, and relationship skills make your
business singular and spirited? Your state of
THRIVING! Running a consciousness determines your success.
Sustainable Business in
the New Wave by Hotel 3. Listen
Formula 1 South Africa, Each of us is a genius in our unique way.
is the outcome of the If you listen to what everyone has to say,
‘fully booked’ process. you validate and stimulate their expertise
It contains 33 chapters rather than industrialise them. Everyone
written by hotel general in a workshop has as much to offer as I do
managers and support at the front of the room. Hearing helps
office specialists, tremendously whereas speaking can be just
covering all aspects of more of the same. You can achieve almost
business and people anything by simply listening.
management from the
experience of people 4. Wake up!
running a thriving Alert awareness is the real key. People
business. It is available who take life experiences as an
from book shops and opportunity to understand themselves,
Formula 1 hotels around and who combine personal and business
South Africa. growth, also flourish in relationships
with others and become increasingly

MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 41

R E W A R D & D E V E L O P
Photos by Pol
Ramalheiro
About the author
Robin Wheeler is a transformation specialist,
publisher, and the author of Insights and Further
Insights. Visit www.fully-booked.co.za for
more information.
responsive. Hardship has gifts hidden
behind it. Creativity carries gifts within it.
5. Innovate
In today’s rapidly evolving climate, you
never do the same thing twice. Get
comfortable with always being somewhat
mystified, and be open to surprising
yourself with what you come up with next.
It keeps you in your sweet spot, which is
delicious for you and your customers.
Robin Wheeler and Formula 1 team at THRIVING! launch
6. Integrate
See how you can achieve everything by
doing one thing. Find elemental ways to
incorporate multiple facets and functions.
This is the overriding intelligence in your
business, your ability to see the modest in
the multifaceted. Trust the process.
By integrating all of my services into a
process and product called Fully Booked in
response to client needs and requests, I have
developed a combined people development
and branding tool that forms the backbone
of business growth from conference to
conference. In the first year, I facilitate
transformation and key contributors write
a chapter of a book, which I then publish,
distribute and market for them. In the
following year, I use the book to promote
the people and business for the value they
add through it. Everything hinges on the
book and the experience of becoming
authors. Conference and business building
tools need to be singular, sound, and filled
with the genius of simplicity.

Who’s who?
Fancourt appoints
new head of sales
and marketing
Fancourt welcomes its new head of sales
and marketing, Carl Reinders, who joins the
team with some 15 years' experience in the
field. Chief operating officer, Niall O’Hagan,
says that Reinders’ all-round experience and
strong leadership capabilities will add great
value to the Fancourt brand.
Born and educated in Pretoria, Reinders
has a B.Com marketing degree (cum
laude) from the University of Pretoria.
He started his career at British American
Tobacco in 1995, obtaining experience
in several different divisions within sales
and marketing before being promoted to
regional and national management roles.
In 1999, he relocated to Cape Town to
join Gilbeys/Guinness UDV South Africa,
the beverages marketing company now
known as Brandhouse, which is responsible
for the promotion of global brands such
as Bells Whisky, Johnnie Walker, Amstel
and numerous other leading global liquor
brands. “The Fancourt opportunity provides
a wonderful challenge for me to provide
leadership through the marketing and sales
function at a more holistic level, and I look
forward to being part of a committed
team that will extend the brand’s presence
in both the domestic and international
markets to attract visitors and property
investors alike,” says Reinders.
Fancourt’s new head of sales
and marketing, Carl Reinders
R E G U L A R S
driven by our team of dedicated specialists,
More magic and which will secure our competitive and creative
advantage through service excellence and
expertise added to ensure that high levels of customer retention
Kadoro’s storybook support our growing client base.”
Angelique Levin has been appointed as new
business development and relations manager
at Kadoro Events and Communications,
a leading event management and brand
activation company. Levin’s position of bringing
in new business, while maintaining current
relationships together with owner and MD
of Kadoro, Amanda Rogaly, will allow the
company to continue its phenomenal growth
while ensuring that strong customer ties
are formed. Levin has the ability to create
magic out of possible opportunities and looks
Angelique Levin, new
forward to working with new and existing business development
clients. Rogaly comments: “Growth will be and relations manager
at Kadoro
Guvon appoints appointed for the new hotel include Salome
Knoetze, rooms division manager, and
key staff for the Warren Forster, head chef. Knoetze was
previously involved with the opening of the
Fairway Hotel four-star Holiday Inn Hotel in Sandton and
Christopher Trimble, most recently at Forster assisted with the opening of the
the five-star Asmara Intercontinental first five-star hotel in Limpopo, the Fusion
Hotel in Eritrea, has been appointed as Boutique Hotel.
the general manager for the Fairway
Hotel at the Randpark Golf Course, due From left to right: Salome Knoetze, Warren
Forster and Christopher Trimble
to open in May. Trimble has more than
30 years of hospitality experience, and is
known for high standards, attention to
detail, teambuilding skills and getting the
job done. His career spans some high-
profile units throughout South Africa and
Mauritius, including the St Geran Hotel and
Country Club, Cascades Hotel at Sun City,
the Carlton Hotel and the Sandton Sun
International Hotel.
“I believe that Trimble possesses all the
right skills to develop our new hotel in
the years to come. He brings valuable
experience and a fresh perspective to the
group and I am convinced he will take the
Fairway to reach great success,” said Leon
Bosch, Guvon Hotels operations director.
Other key personnel that have been
MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 43
 C O M I N G U P

Countdown begins
to a world of travel
and fun
The World Holiday and Travel Fair
(WHTF), presented by international
banking from Absa, is the only outbound
travel exhibition in South Africa and will
provide the ideal platform for the retail
travel trade to interact with existing
and potential customers, offering them
valuable advice and allowing them secure
bookings there and then.
The fair takes place from 16 to 18
April 2010 at the Coca-Cola dome in
Johannesburg. “WHTF has been designed
to offer consumers the best deals in town
and real value-for-money travel options,
therefore providing a cost-effective,
high-impact marketing platform, and we
are delighted at the diverse range of
exhibitors who have already reserved their
space. These range from tour operators,
travel agents and other travel product and
service providers to tourism boards and The team behind WHTF includes, from left to right, Belinda Unterslak, Glynis Anderson and
destination representation companies,” Lizzy Mokhudu
says Glynis Anderson, of event organiser
Thebe Exhibitions and Projects. • cuisines of the world at The Theatre of International at the kids’ zone
To ensure a great day out for visitors, Food, hosted by The Star and Saturday • the travel agents corner, hosted by the
the show boasts various value-adding Star in conjunction with the Angela Association of South African Travel Agents
activities for young and old, including: Day Kitchen (ASATA), with presentations aimed at
• trade-related workshops held on • World of Beer pubs hosted by South sharing first-hand travel insights and tips
the Friday, including ‘Money matters African Breweries in association with by ASATA members
while abroad’, hosted by international Tavern Promotions
banking from Absa • exciting youth travel options on
offer at the STA Travel Youth Pavilion WHTF has been designed
and non-stop fun for the young, to offer consumers the best
showcased by Royal Caribbean deals in town and real
value-for-money
travel options from a
diverse range of exhibitors

•destinations from as close as our next

door neighbours and as far as the
imagination can stretch will be hosted by
Association of National Tourism Office
Representatives pavilion.
In addition to the show being a cost-
effective, high-impact marketing and sales
opportunity for the travel trade, there will
also be great educational workshops with
industry experts sharing their knowledge
and insights on the latest outbound travel
and tourism trends.
For more information, visit www.
worldtravelfair.co.za.

44 MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010

 C O M I N G U P

Hostex Cape promises

non-stop action

Hostex Cape 2010 is sure to be an even greater success than the

2009 show

With over 220 exhibitors in one jam-packed hall, Hostex

Cape 2010 is not to be missed this year. In addition to the
plethora of products and services that will be showcased by
the exhibitors, Hostex Cape 2010 offers more features and
entertainment than ever before:
• The SA Chefs Experience proudly presented by
Nestlé Professional: This village will once again be a
dynamic hub of activity, with demonstrations on the
latest culinary products and trends, as well as various
competitions.
• Greenstuff Village and Green Hotel: In response to
the overwhelming international move towards a more
environmentally conscious approach to all aspects of
hospitality, Hostex Cape will feature a Greenstuff Village
– a first for the event. The Green Hotel, taking the
form of a series of rooms typically found in a hotel, will
showcase green products from floor to ceiling, inside
and outside.
• Wine Circle: Designed in the shape of a circle to facilitate
networking and catching up with colleagues, this novel
addition to Africa’s foremost hospitality exhibition
will feature a select number of winemakers who will
showcase their brands and cultivars to the hospitality
industry in a targeted and informal environment.
• Global Pizza Challenge: Will draw participants from
restaurants and coffee shops all over the Cape,
organisers will be pre-selecting approximately 20
passionate, independent pizza makers who can
demonstrate their gastronomic masterpieces first hand
during the competition’s national cook-off.
• HomeGrown/SME Village: This village will provide a
showcase of proudly South African goods and services,
and niche service providers.
Hostex Cape takes place from 8 to 10 March 2010 at
Cape Town International Convention Centre, from 10:00
to 18:00 daily. Visitors can avoid registration queues by
pre-registering on www.hostexcape.co.za. Log on to www.
hostexcape.co.za to keep up to date on all the latest
activities, competitions, demonstrations and highlights
happening during the event.

MEETINGS SA | MARCH/APRIL 2010 45

 L O O K I N G B A C K

Back2Business Cup. Warming up the audience, Dr Platzky’s

sheds its staid
reputation as a
formal gathering
The business
tourism sector gets
some attitude in
2010
Against an austere economic climate
Back2Business 2010 was a bold statement
that business tourism in the Western Cape
remains fresh, dynamic and in the forefront
of innovation. There is something about
Cape Town’s history, diverse architecture,
natural beauty and culture that radiates
confidence. However, few delegates at
this year’s event expected to see a red
topless sightseeing bus parked along Castle
Street in St George’s Mall. Back2Business
2010 came with a lot of attitude. Shedding
its staid reputation as a formal business
tourism gathering, dignitaries arrived kitted
out in sunny Bafana Bafana T-shirts.
“It was an invigorating afternoon. A
combination of engaging exhibition booths
showcasing new business tourism products
and good presentations, and delegates had
one great party.
"The cherry ontop was definitely the
unfolding of a giant Back2Business
banner over the side of the bus. Young
performers from Afrika Ablaze dance
company streamed out of the stationary
bus, offering a spectacular performance,"
said Calyyn Gilfellan, CEO of cape Town
Routes Unlimited. Back2Business 2010 was
a strategic decision to lead the meetings
industry in support of the 2010 FIFA World
presentation highlighted the province’s
priorities leading up to the World Cup,
together with its social and cultural legacy
after the games. The Western Cape is
maturing as a province and is punching far
above its weight.
Back2Business 2010 did its part in
partnering with students from UCT RAG
to raise funds for an art initiative for
disadvantaged children in Manenberg.
Guests were invited to buy a piece of
recycled plastic for R10 or more to use to
complete a mixed media picture depicting
Cape Town Stadium with the backdrop of
Table Mountain.
Rachel Colenso, the event’s motivational
speaker, encouraged the industry to make
a resolution persevere. She likened business
to her own life-threatening experience
climbing a mountain in Switzerland. With a
strong resolution never to be defeated, the
South African-born adventurer qualified as
one of four women ever to have completed
the rigorous British Army SAS selection
process and her story left the delegates
inspired.
Speaking after the event, executive
manager for international marketing at the
Cape Town and Western Cape Convention
Bureau, David Frandsen, had this to say:
“2010 offers a watershed moment for the
business tourism industry in the Western
Cape. It was important for Back2Business
2010 to display that we can engage in
business in very unusual ways, while
maintaining our excellent delivery. On behalf
of the Western Cape stakeholders, I would
like to thank Cape Town Tourism for their
generous support of this event.”

Organisations expect Conveniently located alongside the N1 in Midrand within
Vodaworld - the country’s biggest one-stop cellular mall - the
superior service and exquisitely refurbished Vodaworld Events boasts a Five Star
efficient delivery from Grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
event venues. To meet The property comprises a selection of diverse venue options,
this demand, VodaWorld suitable for a variety of functions - from small, intimate board
meetings, seminars and cocktail parties, to conferences,
Events provides a Five exhibitions, corporate awards evenings, gala banquets, fashion
Star-rated venue, a highly shows and concerts.
Complementing our newly refurbished kitchen, a second kitchen
has been added directly off the Vodadome, boosting catering
capacity to 750 for a seated banquet.
Our magnificent venue is expertly run by an experienced team
of professionals, who are able to assist with an impressive list of
service options.
Talk to us if you’re looking to take your event to a different level.

professional service The versatile facilities include the Vodadome, Talk 500 North
and South, Talk 100 and 200 tiered-auditoriums and four new
as well as exceptional
breakaway rooms - which can also be converted into a sweeping
attention to detail. ballroom.
 R E G U L A R S

What, when Gardenex & Green Living Fair

Date: 26 to 28 March

and where...
Venue: The Coca-Cola dome
GIBTM, the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel &
Meetings Exhibition
Date: 29 to 31 March
March 2010 Venue: ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Rand Show
AIME, the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo Date: 31 March to 11 April
Date: 2 to 3 March
Venue: Melbourne, Australia Venue: MTN Expo Centre

Hostex Cape
Date: 8 to 10 March April 2010
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
SARCDA International Date: 3 to 4 April
Date: 11 to 14 March Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre
World Holiday and Travel Fair
SABC Education Baba Indaba
Date: 19 to 21 Mar Date: 16 to 18 April
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre Venue: The Coca-Cola dome

The Star Workplace Expo Durban International Boat & Lifestyle Show
Date: 19 to 21 March Date: 30 April to 2 May
Venue: The Coca-Cola dome Venue: Durban Marina

Mega Media Expo 2010 PSASA National Conference

Date: 24 to 25 March Date: 30 April to 2 May
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Venue: Emperors Palace
 R E G U L A R S

SA
SOUTH AFRICA – AN EXCEPTIONAL CONVENTION DESTINATION

SA
SOUTH AFRICA – AN EXCEPTIONAL CONVENTION DESTINATION Standing strong in 2010

3D Group of companies OFC, 4 & 5 Marlene Ward 47

Aquila Private Game Reserve 19 MTN Expo Centre 25
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel 18 Oasys Innovations 31
Belmont Square Conference Centre 18 Peermont 39 We s t e r n C
a p e’ s h o t t e s t p ro p e r t i e s • Wo r l d C u p w e l l n e
s s • To p t i p s f o r e x h i b i t i n g

Casta Diva 21 Sandton Convention Centre 15

CTICC OBC Signature Life Hotels 26
R32.00 (VAT incl) www.saconference.co.za ISSUE 30 March/April 2010

De Hoop Collection 17 Slanghoek Mountain Resort 18

For advertising sales contact:
Durban ICC IFC Southern Sun Elangeni 42
Everglades Estate 7 Markex World of Events 45
EXSA 34 The Better Business Trust 48
MEDIA Caroline Martin
Knysna Tourism 13 The Conference Company 36 T +27 (0)11 454 6051/2
Lesedi Cradle of Living Three Cities IBC F: 086 660 2024
African Culture 14 Vodaworld Events 46 C: +27 (0) 72 235 5725
Maotla Boutique Hotel & Spa 22 Walter Sisulu Square 35 E-mail: caroline@pinpoint.co.za

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