24 February 2020Issue Number 1DAILY NEWS

CELEBRATING

YEARS

Meetings Africa Mastheads.pdf 1 2020/02/18 02:10:59 PM

W elcome to the 15th edition of Meetings Africa! This is a historic milestone – it speaks of 15 years of consistently

bringing key business tourism sector players under one roof to help African countries to collectively advance the tourism interests of our continent. The longevity of Meetings Africa, without a doubt one of the continent’s premier business events trade shows, is worth celebrating. It has been a journey marked by peerless vision of pushing to advance the interest of the continent, together.

Meetings Africa has, over the years, established itself as one of the cornerstone events of Africa’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions calendar. As we reflect on this moment, we are proud of our ever-growing abilities as a world-class host of high-profile events – such as the historic World Cup in 2010, World Aids Conference, COP 17, World Economic Forum, all of which have greatly enhanced the stature of South Africa in the eyes of the world.

More importantly, these events contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth. In 2018, Meetings Africa pointed out that business tourism contributed an astonishing R115 billion to the country’s economy, underlining an incontrovertible fact – business tourists spend more than leisure tourists; their money is commonly spent at hotels, conference centres, restaurants, country clubs and convention centres.

Consequently, the benefits of the Business Events sector can be felt in many South African industries: healthcare, mining, academia, to name a few. In essence, the meetings industry is a key component of the knowledge economy since it facilitates the sharing of knowledge, collaboration and information dissemination.

This success and growth in our various industries will no doubt continue to be felt in coming years, particularly with the recent bids won to host international conferences and events. These wins are partly as a result

of SA Tourism and the South Africa National Convention Bureau’s (SANCB) avid and continuous participation in regional and international trade shows such as Meetings Africa. Bid wins include the AWS Public Sector Summit (2020), the BRICS Mathematic Sciences Conference (2021), the International Adventure Conference (2021), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) / International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Joint Meetings (2021), the 11th International Conference on Typhoid and Other Invasive Salmonellosis (2021), the World Wagyu Congress (2021) the Sestech Technology Conference (2021), the World Congress of Orthinology WOC (2022), the Biennial Political Ecology Network (POLLEN) Conference (2022), the World Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FIP) (2022), the International Association for Paediatric Dentistry IAPD (2023), and many more in coming years.

15 YEARS OF ADVANCING AFRICA

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Meetings Africa is a pivotal connection in the growth of meetings on the continent. It has enabled African decision-makers to keep abreast with what their counterparts in other parts of the world are doing, thereby lending one huge voice to a continent many rightly regard as dynamic and ripe for further growth.

As Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, the Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the SANCB, so aptly says, “Meetings Africa is geared to enhance the collaboration between African countries and African associations so as to create more shared economic benefits for the continent’s business events sector, it is where the world comes to buy Africa.”

This year, exhibitors from 20 African countries will participate in Meetings Africa, as well as hundreds of quality hosted buyers. Ultimately, one thing is clear: Meetings Africa lives up to its mission of making it possible for delegates to advance Africa together. Here’s to another 15 years of reaching even more milestones.

“Meetings Africa lives

up to its mission of

making it possible for

delegates to advance

Africa together. Here’s

to another 15 years

of reaching even

more milestones.”

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 02

RATHER MEET IN MAURITIUS… AND YOU COULD BE REWARDED

M auritius is the perfect, year-round MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination, combining

island-style quality and elegance. MICE buyers and planners who see the

potential in Mauritius as the ideal MICE destination, with its effective and efficient infrastructure to cater for groups, large or small, all year round, could also be on the receiving end of a cash incentive.

All the information about who is eligible for the MICE sponsorship from Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is right here - so, read on and see if you qualify!

Eligibility Criteria for MICE Promoters in MauritiusSponsorship to MICE Promoters will be in cash in Mauritian Rupees, subject to availability of funds, on the following conditions:• Maximum sponsorship of Rs 200,000

per event, depending on group size:1. Group size of 100 to 250

pax: Rs 100,000 and

2. Group size above 250 pax: Rs 200,000• MICE incentive buyers and wedding

planners are requested to submit their proposals with details on the event, conference or incentive meetings that is taking place in Mauritius

• Minimum group size should be 100 tourists or foreign participants per event, conference or incentive meeting

• A minimum of 3 nights’ stay in a hotel per passenger for the entire group should be confirmed

• A contract will be signed, and a refund of expenses will be made following the event, on production of original invoices duly certified by the main MICE incentive house or wedding planner, or by the local representative or organisation if they are to be represented locally

• In case payment has to be effected directly to the service provider, the local representative or organisation will need to submit the Business Registration Number of the local service provider or an attestation or evidence from the overseas service provider

• Organisations involved in political

or religious activities will not qualify for the sponsorship

• MTPA reserves the right not to approve project proposals

Additional support that could be consideredGovernment will extend the following facilities to MICE Promoters:

1. Issuing of visas to participants

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MPU CONFERENCE BUREAU_full page ad_0219.pdf 1 2019/02/15 11:51

Contact Us: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

Amrita Craig, Marketer

Tel: +230 203 1900

Email: acraig@mtpa.mu

www.tourism-mauritius.mu

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has an attractive incentive scheme in place for the MICE segment.

This applies to bookings for large groups of 100 people or more to the island, and includes a 15% VAT rebate, on the ground assistance and cash incenentives if three nights or more at the same hotel are booked for the group.

More details are available through the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority office.

upon arrival in Mauritius, subject to prior submission of all relevant documentary evidence

2. Logistics arrangements and facilitation at the airport, upon arrival

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 03

GARONA’S SUCCESS STORY

ARABELLA HOTEL, GOLF AND SPA ANNOUNCEMENT

TOP REASONS TO USE THE MEETINGS AFRICA APP

P resley Mokotedi has always been an entrepreneur striving to succeed in the business world. Born and bred in Dinokana village

in Zeerust, North West, Presley always had big plans of working in the events industry. He realised his dream when he started his business, Garona Communications in 2008, after having worked as a sales Executive for an exhibitions company for four years.

Garona Communications started doing business with South African Tourism in 2019, offering stand design services, set up and breakdown of exhibition stands for Meetings Africa.

The outstanding work done by Garona Communications has opened a door for a

three-year contract with South African Tourism as the company’s exhibition partner. The contract commenced in 2019 and will run until 2022. This contract will open doors for more international exhibitions, offering Garona Communications great international exposure to further grow and expand their business.

Since commencement of the contract, Presley and his team have done three international events for SA Tourism; namely; WTM in London, IBTM World in Barcelona and FITUR in Spain.

Now in its 12th year of operation, Garona Communications which employs 12 people is now servicing large corporate and government clients such as; City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Erwat and many more.

T sogo Sun Hotels is delighted to welcome the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa to our luxury portfolio, effective 1 April 2020.

Located in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere, the 145-bedroom hotel includes facilities such as a top 10 nationally ranked championship golf course, an award-winning spa and conferencing

facilities for up to 350 delegates. The hotel is 70kms from Cape Town International Airport and is on the doorsteps of both Kleinmond and Hermanus, ensuring that its peaceful setting is completely accessible.

The addition of the Arabella property to Tsogo Sun Hotels’ portfolio of over 100 hotels across South Africa, Africa and the Middle East enhances the group’s

luxury property offering. We are excited to promote the hotel using our strong distribution in the International inbound market and our strength in groups and conferencing as well as sports.

We are honoured to have the opportunity to bring 50 years of expertise in the hospitality industry to Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa.

BONDAY PROGRAMME, 24 FEBRUARY 2020

TIME EVENT VENUE

08:30 - 09:30 Event Greening Forum Annual General Meeting Committee Room 2

08:30 - 09:30 Hidden Gems Session Committee Room 4

08:30 - 17:30 ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day Bill Gallagher Foyer

09:00 - 17:00 IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum Africa Committee Room 5

09:00 - 10:00 BONDay Educational Opening Plenary Ballroom

10:00 - 12:00 Stream 1: Enabling Your Business Growth within a Flourishing Business Events Industry Stream 2: Enhancing Your Business Strategy to achieve Competitive Advantage

Ballroom 1/40

Ballroom 2/3/4

12:00 - 14:00 BONDay Educational Closing Plenary (including lunch break)

Ballroom

16:00 - 17:30 ICCA Africa Chapter Meeting Boardroom 2/3

17:30 - 19:00 ICCA Africa Meetings Africa Association Day Cocktail Function

Bill Gallagher Foyer

Scan the QR code or search for

Meetings Africa 2020on the App Stores

Flock Print Out - MA one pager.indd 1 2020/02/03 17:08

1. Create a business profile for delegates to view

4. Follow all Twitter posts featuring the Meetings Africa hashtag through the newsfeed

5. Navigate the Meetings Africa trade floor with the use of QR codes.

2. Save time and book appointments with fellow attendees

3. Glean crucial information about exhibitors and buyers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

TODAY!

It’s been said that the best way to predict the future is to create it. The CTICC offers the ideal platform to do just that. Every aspect of the centre’s offering has been considered – from the more than 140 000m² of flexible space across two state-of-the-art buildings to world-class technology, delicious cuisine, and service-driven staff. Turn your knowledge and vision into potential with events that shape your future at the CTICC.

Call +27 21 410 5000, email sales@cticc.co.za or visit www.cticc.co.za and connect to possibilities.

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 05

“Our top trend for

2020 is the rise of

East Africa as the next

market-ready region for

meetings, incentives,

conferences, events and

exhibitions (MICE).”

AFRICAN MEETINGS OUTLOOK

WHY AFRICA MOVES SAACI

A frica is 30.2 million km2 in size and home to 15% of the world’s population, an estimated 1.2 billion people in 2019. Sub-

Saharan Africa is the youngest region in the world with a median age of 19.5 compared to 38 in the US, 43 in the EU and 47 in Japan. It is estimated that 20 million young people will be joining the workforce every year for the next three decades (Africa Centre for Economic Transformation).

Against the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (a plan for transformation that aims for a peaceful, integrated and prosperous continent by 2063), Africa’s tourism competitiveness is increasing as destinations scale up their development agendas.

Africa is under-performing in world business events arrivals, recording only 3% of international association meetings in 2018, and 6% of international organisation and association meetings according to ICCA and UIA respectively. This is supported by Events Industry Council that records only 5.3% of global business events participants and 2.2% of global direct spend in Africa in 2017.

T he Southern African Association for the Conference Industry is one of the fixtures in the business events sector on the continent.

As one of the oldest and foremost meetings association bodies in Africa, it is a significant contributor to the growth, development and forward motion of our industry. CEO Glenton De Kock shares his thoughts on Meetings Africa and why they love attending this event each year.

For how long have you attended Meetings Africa and why do you keep returning?The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) has participated in Meetings Africa since its inception 15 years ago. As the representative association for the business events industry, we find it an excellent platform for networking, information sharing and launching our annual congress. Everyone who matters in the business events industry is here!

Liberalising air transport and further relaxation of visa rules, easier currency convertibility, Afro-optimism and business events infrastructure development outside of South Africa is mushrooming. World-class convention centres and global branded hotels with meeting capabilities are fast appearing on skylines in Kampala, Nairobi, Kigali, Addis Ababa and beyond. Africa’s middle class is expanding most rapidly, which is drawing interest from manufacturers of consumer goods where a strong buyer and seller market is a key demand driver for exhibitions.

What has been missing in Africa is a comprehension of the technicalities required by convention bureaux as brokers

What do you think of Meetings Africa theme for this year ‘Africa moves you’? We think the theme is very apt. Collaboration with our continental business events partners is a key strategic focus of SAACI which will be explored as a dedicated topic at the SAACI annual congress in July. We are also in the process of signing a partnership agreement with ICCA Africa and once we have completed our discussion with the Rwanda Convention Bureau during Meetings Africa, we will also sign a cooperation agreement with them.

What challenges have you seen African businesses experience in the last year, and what innovative solutions have you found work in this situation? Africa has not escaped the worldwide economic slump. At SAACI we remain focused on learning, growth and collaboration as our foundations for

of innovation to deliver the economic value and institutional legacies of business events. Our top trend for 2020 is the rise of East Africa as the next market-ready region for meetings, incentives, conferences, events and exhibitions (MICE). Kigali was ranked the #2 city in Africa by ICCA 2018, Uganda launched its National Convention Bureau in 2018, whilst Kenya and Ethiopia are ones to watch in 2020 as they formalise their MICE strategies and scale up their National Convention Bureaux. On the back of the growth in Convention Bureaux, above average demand for meetings and events in Africa will grow.

As an industry, the focus is on the economic, social and environmental

everything we do, in our efforts to help grow the industry. Agility to influence the needs of business events, instead of being reactive is how our industry will manage the various socio-economic challenges the world is experiencing at present. The pace at which technology is impacting on the business events industry will lead to improved experiences for delegates, but the choice this has to be considered with how ‘destinations with purpose’ are looked where business events are held. Technology is therefore a key influencer as we all are marketers through our Twitter hashtags, or our Facebook posts.

Where do you see the future of business events in Africa headed in the future? Through collaboration, we believe, Africa will increase its share of the international meetings market significantly. This not only applies to joint marketing efforts, but also to practical aspects such as relaxed/shared visa regimes and increased air access.

legacy benefits of business events. This must be extended to include enhancing skills development in Africa’s bright young graduates. Knowledge must be purposefully dispersed to ensure that the MICE sector helps meet the future professional development aspirations of our youth. Global meeting and incentive buyers must be encouraged through harder working messaging to step outside their comfort zones and explore new experiences awaiting their delegates in Africa.

If there is one thing we are sure about, it is that Africa can achieve the future it aspires to. Let’s shine the light on Africa as the best choice for that next meeting. Together driving social change, creating a lasting legacy and growing job opportunities for our talented future leaders.

The Business Tourism Company is an international African-based consultancy. Rick Taylor is the strategic architect of five Convention Bureaus’ in Africa and more than 70 diverse tourism projects across South Africa, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Cameroon, Zambia, Togo and the Middle East - among others internationally. Colette Taylor brings technical skills in marketing, event organisation and product development to TBTC.

Rick and Colette Taylor

SAACI will be present at BONDay on 24 February 2020. Don’t miss their press conference on 25 February 2020 at 3:30pm.

SAACI CEO Glenton De Kock

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 06

RATHER MEET IN MAURITIUS

P lanning an incentive trip to reward your top performers, an international conference for a few thousand delegates, an exclusive

high-level meeting for a government delegation or a product launch event?

Look no further than the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Here you will find the perfect venue, staffed by a professional and dedicated support team, to deliver a unique, world-class event, with a touch of island-style elegance and flair.

Mauritius is fast becoming one of Africa’s tourism and meetings jewels with its scenic beauty, hidden treasures

to explore and an exotic melting-pot of cuisines and cultures. It’s a short flight from South Africa’s three major cities, and visa-free for South African passport holders.

Conference FacilitiesBoasting the largest and most modern convention centre in the Indian Ocean region, the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre, this centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences, accommodating up to 5,000 people.

Other venues include the International Conference Centre in Grand Baie (up to 600 people), the Freeport Exhibition in Mer

Rouge (up to 1,000 delegates) and Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3,000 delegates). Many Mauritian hotels also offer conference facilities and can cater for up to 800 people at a time, with spectacular marquees and set-ups on the hotel properties.

Incentive ActivitiesThe island boasts a variety of activities specifically geared for MICE groups, ranging from golf to adventure sports such as quad-biking, trekking, mountain biking, trail-running, zip-lining, fishing, kite-surfing, parasailing, canoeing and sky-diving, together with a host of water sports.

GET A REBATE ON YOUR NEXT MICE EVENTThe Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has an attractive incentive scheme in place for the MICE segment. This applies to bookings for large groups of 100 people or more to the island, and includes a 15% VAT rebate, on the ground assistance and cash incentives, if three or more hotel nights are booked for the group.More details are available through the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority office.

Contact Us:Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

SA Representative:

Janet de Kretser / Philippa Piguet

– Meropa Communications

Tel: +27 11 506 7300

Email: mauritius@meropa.co.za

www.tourism-mauritius.mu

www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za

It has stunning outdoor locations for interactive and adrenalin-fuelled activities and adventures, perfect for team-building exercises. There are also many cultural festivities and spiritual festivals for visitors to enjoy.

When to VisitMauritius has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best months to visit are from May to December, when the weather is cooler, dry and sunny.#RatherMeetinMauritius – the idyllic Indian Ocean destination for all your MICE needs

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 07

EXHIBITOR SNAPSHOTSerurubele Comet Motimela - Director at Touch Let’s Go Travel and Tours

Touch Let’s Go Travel and Tours is a small yet vibrant agency providing travel and tourism services to the South African market. The company

was a Lilizela 2019 finalist, and this will be their first ever experience at Meetings Africa.

What value do you hope to derive from Meetings Africa?We are hoping to create more market and business opportunities, develop new sector networks, build relationships, learn as much as possible about tourism sector and opportunities arising, and most importantly sell our service and product packages to as much potential buyers as possible.

What do you think of Meetings Africa theme for this year ‘Africa moves you’? How does it apply to you and your business?To me and our business,  ‘Africa moves you’ represents the ability for Africa to move and shake the world through its vast tourism products offering, which is exactly what is on display at Meetings Africa in the form of MICE services and related tourism products.

What challenges have you seen African businesses experience in the last year, and what innovative

solutions have you found to move your organisation forward?Red tape (i.e. who you know, not your content) and harsh criteria for financial application. We emphasise on increasing our market share through relationship and network building in order to counter red tape. 

We have also learnt to be innovative in various product development and offerings in order to generate income and mitigate challenges rather than waiting for funding,

which we have managed so far, though it’s not easy as most small businesses do not have operational costs set aside. Everything is shared from the profit you make plus reinvestment in growing the business, which we have to do by all cost.

Where do you see the future of business events in Africa headed in the next 2 to 5 years?Events moves the world around, and

it’s through events that people meet and build relationship that become of economic ripple in later stage ... Africa has gradually positioned itself as the newly developed events destination for the world. We have shown in the hosting of various International Events, and the next 2 to 5 years will see emergence of new innovative events to be hosted in Africa.

FIND TOUCH LET’S GO AT STAND: A3-T

Catch us at Meeengs AfricaStand G11 25-26 February 2020

DAILY NEWS 2020 | 08

EXHIBITOR SNAPSHOTLukonde Mfula - Head Conference/Commercial and Manager at NIPA Conference Centre (NCC)

L ocated in Lusaka, Zambia, NIPA Conference Centre is a modern, state-of-the-art venue for corporate and social events. It hosts between

30 and 800 in a variety of rooms and configurations, an open-air outdoor area is also available when weather permits for outdoor lunches, dinners and cocktail reception.

How many years have you attended Meetings Africa and why do you keep returning?I have been attending Meetings Africa for the last three years with NIPA Conference Centre and previously with the TAJ Hotels.

I participate in Meetings Africa as calendar event for NIPA Conference Centre as we are a new venue thus strategically building our profile on the international market through the biggest meetings platform on the continent. Therefore we envision growth of our NIPA Conference Centre brand through Meetings Africa’s great initiatives.

What value do you hope to derive from Meetings Africa?The value proposition is mainly networking, brand image and conference leads. This has made it conducive for us to interact with a good number of hosted buyers and visitors, who are searching for conference venues

like ours, making it a win-win situation.

What do you think of Meetings Africa theme for this year ‘Africa moves you’? How does it apply to you and your business? This year’s theme fits in perfectly with the current economic outlook of the MICE industry in Africa, which has seen tremendous growth from east to west, north to south, hosting a great number large conferences and meetings. This is also coupled with more Incentive activities going alone side the events therefore moving the delegates and leaving them with forever memories. FIND NCC AT STAND: G27

CONTACT USDirector: Solly Moeng solly@solamedia.co.za

Director: Lance Gibbons lance@solamedia.co.za

Editor: Kim Crowiekim@solamedia.co.za

Head of Design: Liam Abrahams

Production and Digital: Cindy Jarvisadmin@solamedia.co.za

Content Creator: Musawenkosi Gebuza

Digital Dailies Videographer: Zubenathi Malothana

Printer: LawPrint

2 Dingle Avenue, Kenilworth, 7708Tel: +27 21 674 0646

M E D I AS L A

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in Meetings Africa Daily News do not necessarily represent the official viewpoint of the editor or the publisher, while inclusion of adverts/advertising features does not imply endorsement of any business, product or service. Copyright of this material is reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, The Event and/or its employees may not be held liable or responsible for any act or ommission committed by any person, including a juristic person, referred to in this publication. It and they furthermore accept(s) no responsibility for any liability arising out of any reliance that a reader of this publication places on the contents of this publication.

EXHIBITOR PROFILES

Company Detailsaha Hotels & Lodges has a portfolio of properties across South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. We present ideal venues to host conferences, banquets, exhibitions, and more, with a range of settings from cultural amphitheatres to bush and city. Our facilities cater for up to 800 delegates.

Contact Details:11 Autumn Street, Rivonia, 2128Tel: +27 (0) 10 442 5800 Email: cro@aha.co.zaWeb: www.aha.co.zaStand: D30

Company DetailsWe provide online tools for conference and tradeshow organisers, such as event websites, delegate registration, abstract management, e-poster systems, stand-booking systems and more. Our typical customer is a conference or exhibition organiser.

Contact Details:38 Water Rd, Walmer, Port ElizabethEastern Cape, 6070Tel: +27 (0) 82 553 6185 Web: www.exbo.co.zaStand: K23

AHA HOTELS & LODGES EXBOENTERPRISE ILEMBE HARTIES BOAT COMPANY

Company DetailsKZN North Coast is situated in the province of KwaZulu-NatalIt has a warm climate and nature, adventure, cultural, historical and sport-based activities, and world class accommodation and conference facilities.

Contact Details:1Corner of Link Road & Ballito DriveSangweni Tourist Information CentreTel: + 27 (0) 32 946 1256 Email: info@enterpriseilembe.co.zaWeb: www.enterpriseilembe.org.zaStand: H6

Company DetailsHarties Boat Company offers daily scheduled boat cruises from 10am-12pm, 1-3pm and 4-6pm on the beautiful Hartbeespoortdam. Only 30-40 minutes drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria and close to Sun City. We are situated in Harties Harbour.

Contact Details:Function Venue, Kommando Nek Reserve, Simon Bekker AvenueKosmos, Hartbeespoortdam, 0261Tel: +27 (0) 12 253 5045 Web: www.hartiesharbour.co.zaStand: G11

NIPA Conference Centre Auditorium