Congress chairman Wayne Johnson says, "Our programme will be cutting-edge, informative and even challenging - exactly what delegates will need to help 'shift their paradigms' - the theme of the congress."
The congress will be officially opened by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, followed by a keynote address by Arnaldo Nardone, president of the International Congress and Convention Association.
Karen Kotowski, CEO of the Convention Industry Council will give insight into the value of the Certified Meeting Professional qualification, while Cynthia Schoeman, CEO of the Ethics Monitor, will deliver a presentation entitled 'Ethics: giving a damn, making a difference.'
The status of the National Convention Bureau will be placed under the spotlight in a panel discussion facilitated by the bureau's executive manager, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo. The panellists are the heads of the provincial convention bureaus - James Seymour of KwaZulu-Natal, Cheryl Mulder-Verbruggen of Cape Town and Nonnie Kubeka of Gauteng.
Bestselling business author and scenario planner Clem Sunter, will talk on 'The world and South Africa beyond 2012 - latest scenarios, flags and probabilities', and will have a special focus on the challenge for young people and the importance of job creation.
The latest statistics and facts about tourism in South Africa will be discussed by South African Tourism CEO Thulani Nzima. Other sessions will focus on service excellence, case studies of major events and effective mobile and social media strategies.
"To make sure delegates leave invigorated to tackle their business with a fresh approach, MasterChef SA judge Benny Masekwameng will offer a taste of contemporary food and beverage at meetings," says Johnson.
"With close on 200 registered delegates already, we believe our congress programme is fresh, topical and action-packed - a 'not to be missed' event, not only for SAACI members, but for anyone in the meetings industry."
The 2012 SAACI congress is supported by the Gauteng Convention Bureau, the Johannesburg Tourism Company, South African Airways and Complete Exhibitions.
Delegates can register online at www.saaciconf2012.co.za.
