Prevue May/June 2013 - (Page 82)

Meetings Africa 2013 [ON LOCATION] DAHLTON BENNINGTON, CMM/CMP M eetings Africa is a global showcase of South Africa held in Johannesburg to promote the country’s growing position as a preferred international destination for meeting and incentive planners. With its incomparable nature, wildlife, adventure and diversity, the region is an enviable experience offering affordable luxury, impeccable weather and authentic cultural experiences. Mostly, South Africa is a nation of genuine, service-oriented people who strive to ensure happiness with quiet grace. Bringing nearly 350 international, regional and local qualified hosted buyers, Meetings Africa 2013 fulfilled its “Advancing Africa Together” theme. The buyer numbers were nearly 70% over 2012, and new exhibitors flew in from the continent’s best meeting and incentive offerings. The conference and exhibition opened with a “BOND” Business Opportunity Networking Day of learning followed by an opening gala where keynote speaker and marketing legend Thebe Ikalafeng spoke the words that resonated deeply: “Changing the face is nothing. Facing change is everything.” Ikalafeng also advised, “Think locally, act globally. Take pride in your country. Your heritage makes you distinctive. Support each other.” Great advice for any destination. While at Meetings Africa, I spoke with Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism, to inquire about business promotions for international meetings/incentives. “We use our influence to put the key players together,” he says. “Airlines, venues—each with the right pricing structure in place—all these parties together will strengthen the process.... We also have a new budget for subvention, allocated based on the importance of the each event. It’s fairly new and a small budget now, but it will continue to improve.” While gathering in Johannesburg, all of us were impressed by this culturally rich destination that will uplift and inspire anyone to support others. The iconic Soweto 70 | prevue magazine 70-73_Africa_Meetings_2013_MayJune.indd 70 5/1/13 8:10 AM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2013

Planner's Pick: Hard Rock Cancun
Fresh Meets: Melia Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Calgary
Good Business: Phoenix
Sea Shores: Cruise Shipping Miami
Affordable Luxury
Special Section: Europe
Groups Gone Gaming
Tropical Meetings
Anaheim
Meetings Africa 2013
On Location: Trump Panama
On Location: Hyatt Kauai
On Location: MSC Divina
On Location: Dolce Indianapolis
Check Out: Four Seasons Toronto

Prevue May/June 2013