Widespread support for SAACI Conference

The event - the first annual conference of a tourism industry association to be held in the capital - has received huge financial and other support from among others, South African Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Tshwane Tourism and the Services SETA.

Themed TASK - short for Tenacity, Accountability, Sustainability and Knowledge - this year's conference will show delegates how to perfect the juggling act of their everyday lives, especially against the background of the changed political scenario and the current economic recession.

Conference chairman Nigel Walker says there will also be a strong focus on facilitating easy access into the meetings industry for young, qualified individuals. “In this regard we are working closely with the Services SETA and their support for SAACI and this conference has been tremendous. We also have a student task team in place which will assist in all aspects of the event.”

Walker says an array of top speakers will address delegates on relevant topics and issues.

The Chairman of Grant Thornton SA, Leonard Brehm, will set the ball rolling with his presentation on how to manage the credit crunch, giving practical business guidance. The Vice President of Global Congress Management MCI Group in Switzerland, Richard Torriani, will share his views on managing risk, and provide case studies on the benefits of ‘greening' an event, while Louise Marsland, editor-in-chief and brand strategist of ADvantage magazine and the former editorial director of Bizcommunity.com, will talk about online and personal marketing.

Other speakers include tourism guru Prof Ernie Heath, the Chief Executive Officer of Uwin Iwin, David Sand, the Managing Director of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Dirk Elzinga, and political commentator, Justice Malala.

Tembeka Mhlekwa, Strategic Executive Director: Economic Development at the City of Tshwane, says the hosting of the SAACI conference in the capital is a milestone. “Business tourism forms an integral part of our city's tourism strategy. This is our opportunity to work with SAACI to showcase our offerings to all conference industry stakeholders and we trust delegates will all adopt our slogan ‘Tshwane - experience it!' and spread the word about our destination.”

The City of Tshwane will welcome delegates at the official conference opening at Freedom Park on 26 July, while optional city tours and a night tour of the National Zoological Gardens are also on offer.

An exhibition featuring business tourism products, services and destinations will run parallel to the conference.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in the conference industry - including venue owners and managers, Professional Conference Organisers, corporate marketing and event professionals, event planners, public relations practitioners and suppliers of products and services.

For more information or to register visit www.saaciconf.co.za.