250 conference organisers from around South Africa are presently gathered together to discuss trends and developments in their industry.
At first glance, SAACI 2007 seems to be one of the year's most unusual conferences. After all, we are all used to medical professionals or bankers meeting to discuss the latest research and developments in their industries, but who ever heard of conference organisers getting together to do the same thing?
The idea is less strange when you realise that the conference industry in South Africa is one of the unsung heroes of our new democracy, bringing in hundreds of millions of rands in revenue, raising international awareness and attracting upmarket tourists and investors to our shores.
Last year alone, 64 international congresses were held in South Africa, which saw us moving up to 31st place on the international rankings. Conference delegates are ranked among tourism’s bigger spenders. New statistics show that at least 40% of the delegates who fly to South Africa for a three or four day conference are so impressed by the experience that they return on holiday with their families and friends. An estimated 8% come back to start businesses and to buy holiday homes.
“We need to keep abreast of the changes in our industry” explained Keith Burton, head of the Conference Secretariat for the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI). “The annual conference gives us a chance to network, to meet service providers, stakeholders and government representatives. It's also a chance to be educated about best practices in our industry.”
SAACI 2007 is being held at the Arabella Sheraton in Cape Town from July 22 – 25. The theme of this year's conference, 'Great Thinking – Simple Solutions', is reflected in the programme, with discussions ranging from ways to boost delegate numbers, to South Africa's capacity to handle mega events, such as the 2010 World Cup.
In recognition of the important role that conferencing plays in South African tourism, SAACI 2007 is supported by both Cape Town Routes Unlimited and Johannesburg Tourism.
Great Thinking is also green thinking, with social investment, economic sustainability and the environment high on the agenda.
The conference also sees the launch of Young SAACI, a mentorship initiative aimed at launching young talent in the industry. Young SAACI is being run in cooperation with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
SAACI 2007 is being opened by Ebrahim Rasool, Premier of the Western Cape, with a keynote address by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Other key speakers include Guy Bigwood, Group CSI Director of MCI, one of the world's foremost conference organising companies; Tim Modise, FIFA 2010 Communications; Alec Gilbert, CEO of the Adelaide Convention Centre in Australia; and Brian MacDonald of Global Conferences, widely recognised as the father of the international conferencing industry in South Africa.
Visit www.saaciconf.co.za for further information.
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