SAACI members drive congress input

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Mongezi Mtati

Following a member survey, conducted by the organising committee of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) for its 2012 national congress, to be held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg 29-31 July, the congress will address issues raised by members.

Congress chair, Wayne Johnson of the association's Northern Territories Branch says 55 members responded to the survey.

"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that members of the association have been asked for input and have had a direct say into the development of the congress programme. The feedback received was insightful and we are now approaching experts in their fields to address and interact with delegates."

Topics to be addressed

He says topics that will be addressed at the congress include social media and Quick Response Codes, measuring return on investment on events, creating a competitive edge through alliances and standardisation of services across the industry.

"It is also clear from the feedback received that there is a real need for proper, definitive industry intelligence. People need facts on which to base business decisions and we hope to bring it to them," says Johnson.

Other topics relate to new legislation, service excellence and future conference industry trends. The organising committee will announce names of speakers and panellists as they are confirmed.

The theme of the congress is 'Shifting Paradigms', referring to the changing business environment and strategies needed to adapt to it. Early bird registration is available now on www.saaciconf2012.co.za.