Showing posts with label INDABA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label INDABA. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

5 ways to stay on top of #INDABA2015



The South African Travel Show Happens in May.  Here are 5 ways to keep updated


1. Check out the latest online

Find out more at their official website: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za 


2. Be sociable: #INDABA2015

Use their offical hashtag: #INDABA2015

3. Get the tourism news behind the news

Check out their press releases here: www.southafrica.net/trade/en/landing/trade-home

4. Spend some time on their YouTube Channel

They have some amazing videos:  www.youtube.com/user/SAtraveltrade

5. Keep an eye on your inbox

Regular updates will be sent to you via email.  So make sure you registered.

Indaba happens in Durban from 9 - 11 May 2015.

Bonus Tip: If you love travel blogging or are interested in travel blogging be sure to attend the Indaba2015 Travel Bloggers Conference 8 May 2015 #ITBC15

All the details: http://lanyrd.com/2015/itbc14/





Friday, May 23, 2014

Platinum Award For The Blue Train Stand At Tourism INDABA 2014


THE BLUE TRAIN STAND DESIGN IS TOPS AT THE 2014 TOURISM INDABA!





The Blue Train proved why it is considered amongst the leaders in the travel and tourism industry when it took the honours of being named amongst the Best Stand Designs at this year’s Indaba Tourism show held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (formerly Durban ICC) from the 10th – 12th May 2014.

The striking 4.5 metre arched stand reflected the richness of natural cherry-wood veneer finishes with blue LED emblems which were created to match and enhance the panelling of the interior of the train, won The Blue Train a Platinum Award at the Indaba stand awards at the ICC Hall 3. Platinum is the ultimate award – it is the Number 1 coveted prize!   

The stand was designed by Sharon Myburgh of Pivion Communications, one of the best in the industry, after she was briefed to create a modern, “funky” yet sophisticated stand that will match the class and prestige of The Blue Train brand, after she had successfully won a tender to design The Blue Train stands for the 2014-15 financial year.

“Winning this award sets the tone for some of the objectives we have set ourselves for this year - of reclaiming our glory of being the leader in the luxury rail experience. After having received nominations before, finally winning the Platinum award is the “icing on the cake”. We are very proud of this stand and the work and extra effort that Pivion Communications have put in. Our clients have also been impressed and have sent their felicitations. We are truly grateful! Commented Hanlie Kotze, Executive Manager of The Blue Train.

The Blue Train had previously won Gold at these awards.

Did you know The Blue Train has Free WI-FI for guests.  

For more info on The Blue Train visit www.bluetrain.co.za 


Friday, May 9, 2014

Internships At 5FM, Creative Workshops, Film Festivals, Art Competitions and More



PANSA Eastern Cape workshops
10 & 11 May 2014
Spoilt for choice with 4 amazing workshops to choose from:
Sat 10 & Sun 11 May
Stage Mangement Workshop presented by David Limbert at The Savoy
Acting Workshop presented by Marlene Pieterse at Stage World
AND...
Sat morning 10 May
Advertising & PR in the Performing Arts Workshop presented by Damien Anderson at The Savoy.
Sat afternoon 10 May
Theatre Make Up& Hair Workshop presented by Leslie Speyers, Linda-Louise Swain & Nikki-Marie Vorster at The Savoy.
To book your place or for more info contact: Alet at easterncape@pansa.org.za or on 072 211 3979
Registration 9:30am for morning and all day workshops
Registration 1pm for afternoon workshop.








PANSA Unplugged Wednesday
PANSA Unplugged Wednesday is a platform where local artists and practitioners can showcase their talent, show work in development, collaborate with other performers and network with industry players.
Come and show off your skills or just chill out and watch the talent roll in - either way,  you're going to have a great time! Who knows, you might just witness the next big name in the making.
Date: Wednesday 14 May 2014
Time: 18:00 - 20:00 (all participating artists must be at the venue by 17:30)
Venue: Liquidlime Studios (PANSA Offices) 3B Beach Road, Woodstock, Cape Town (near Woodstock and Esplanade train station)
Cost: Free entrance
Donations welcome!
Please be aware there will be:
~No performance fee
~No backline.
~No cover charge.
All instruments must be acoustic. We do have a CD player for backing tracks.
If you are interested in taking part, please email your name, act and a short paragraph (not more than five lines) about your work or yourself to info@pansa.org.za
For further information, please contact Nono on 021 448 3513


10 - 12 May - Durban - ICC



Cape Town Fringe
The National Arts Festival and the City of Cape Town has announced a partnership which will see the launch of a new performing arts festival in September, modelled on some of the world’s iconic events.
To visit the Cape Town Fringe Website, go to: http://capetownfringe.co.za/
The call for proposals is currently open and more information can be found at http://capetownfringe.co.za/artists/




 (Mentorship)5
5FM's mentorship opportunities are one week long and accommodate 6 interns at a time. This is an intensive programme, where you will experience every aspect of 5FM.
MENTORSHIP DATES FOR 2014
Monday 23 June - Friday 27 June
Monday 24 November - Friday 28 November



Opportunity For Artists 

Sasol Art Competition




This Edition By +Fred Felton 



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Friday, April 25, 2014

Events around South Africa, Indaba News and a Opportunity for a Photographer and Designers



New expressions on show at FNB Whisky Live Showroom events
Boutique-style tasting events set the scene for the world’s finest whiskies

The FNB Whisky Live Showroom, taking place in Durban, Nelspruit and Cape Town, will introduce fans of the dram to some noteworthy whiskies set to become firm favourites among local palates. 
“This new show dedicated to one of the world’s finest and most popular spirits builds on the successes of previous FNB Whisky Live Festivals, and brings a unique whisky experience to more South Africans,” says Emily Stockden, chief operating officer of Whisky Live Festival.

“There will be a number of exciting new expressions for whisky lovers to taste and purchase, along with a broad range of well-loved and familiar favourites. We have chosen each venue for the FNB Whisky Live Showroom events carefully to provide a truly remarkable experience for every visitor that provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of sampling some of the world’s finest whiskies.”

The 1989 and 2000 expressions of Balblair will be on display, with the brand challenging the way that punters think about whisky.
“Balblair is bucking the current trend of moving away from age statements, with each product in its range not just being of a specific age, but also of a specific vintage,” says Paul laCock of Aficionados, which represents Balblair in South Africa. “This means that each product is a whisky distilled in a specific year – whereas most single malts are made up of whiskies from different years. The year of bottling Balblair is also stated on the bottle, so that the consumer can deduce its age too.”

Ian MacMillan, the master blender behind Scottish Leader, will be on hand at all three Showrooms to introduce visitors to this masterful blend of up to 30 of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Available in more than 60 countries worldwide, Scottish Leader is produced at the Deanston Distillery on the banks of the river Teith, in the historical central Scottish Highlands.
Kavalan will be showcased at the Showrooms, and is produced by the first distillery in Taiwan. The distillery is in a subtropical area, which is much hotter and more humid than conventional whisky-producing areas. The higher temperatures result in a much quicker interaction of the whisky with the wood of the barrels, leading to much quicker maturation – but the higher temperatures cause more rapid evaporation, and the greedy angels take up to 15% of the whisky every year.

Firm favourite Johnnie Walker will be showing its full range of Red, Black, Gold, Platinum and Blue Label blends, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the different expressions in the context of its Flavour Wheel. The Wheel takes the mystery and guesswork out of tasting whisky and then explaining the experience by offering guidelines such as ‘malty,’ ‘dried fruit,’ ‘winey,’ ‘floral,’ and ‘smoky’ among others.

Black Bottle, a daringly bold blend of all the renowned single malts from the Islay balanced by the finest Highland, Lowland and Speyside malt and grain whiskies, will be available for tasting. Originally blended by Gordon Graham, a tea merchant who shifted from blending teas to blending whiskies in the 19th century, Black Bottle is presented in a unique pot-still shaped bottle.
Fans of South Africa’s Three Ships whisky will be able to taste Three Ships 5 Year Old, named the World’s Best Blended Whisky in 2012 at the World Whiskies Awards. Bain’s, Cape Mountain Whisky, another South African whisky masterpiece that was named World’s Best Grain Whisky in 2013, will also be available for tasting.

The FNB Whisky Live Showroom events take place in Durban on 25 and 26 April, in Nelspruit on 16 and 17 May, and on 19 and 20 June in Cape Town. Tickets cost R150 each at www.whiskylivefestival.co.za and Facebook/FNBWhiskyLiveFestival, or R170 at the door. All ticket prices include a complimentary tasting glass, a 2014 SA Whisky Handbook, a 500ml bottle of Valpré Spring Water, 15 tasting vouchers, and a variety of additional value adds, such as a R200 voucher for all first-time users of Uber’s taxi services (valid in Durban and CT only), R50 off any purchase of more than R500 at the on-site FNB Whisky Live Shop and a 10% discount voucher for purchases on www.whiskyshopsa.co.za after the event (some terms and conditions apply).

Follow @WhiskyLiveSA on Twitter, ‘like’ the FNB Whisky Live Festival Facebook page at Facebook/FNBWhiskyLiveFestival, or check www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for regular updates about the events.
The FNB Whisky Live Showroom promotes responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years will be allowed into the Showroom. Designated driver tickets are also available at R95 per ticket. Part of the ticket proceeds will be donated to The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR).


DURBAN PLAYHOUSE COMPANY: THE REALS FESTIVAL
'The Reals' will perform four unique shows, each with a varied selection of repertoire and themes. Expect to hear original songs, creative covers of their favourite blues and rock artistes and excerpts from their hit tribute shows, including Rodriguez, The Eagles, Woodstock and Dire Straits. The Reals will be presenting in the first half of each show 4 different selections of music – so even if you see all 4 shows, you will be hearing something new at each performance. An opportunity to see some of the musical creations of one of Durban’s Top Bands.
Shaun Dragt will be the guest guitarist for Dire Straits and The Eagles in Durban. The guest guitarist for Dire Straits and The Eagles in PMB – (to be confirmed).
Book at COMPUTICKET, phone or e-mail Roland for bookings:
H 031 205 7602        Cell 082 499 8636   E-mail roland@stansell.za.net

Sunday 06 April 2014. Show starts 14:00 - DBN
Sunday 06 April 2014. Show starts 18:30 – DBN


Competition for energy efficient designs

Designers are invited to enter the Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition with R200 000 worth of prize money.

The competition offers a two-fold opportunity:

- For one, Eskom is inviting high school learners, students and professional designers to think outside the box and submit imaginative lamp designs that not only work, but that are also pleasing to the eye. As the name of the competition implies, it is of major importance that all designs make use of energy-efficient light sources.

- Secondly, professional designers are also invited to submit innovative energy-efficient designs, systems or products that are suitable for residential applications. These may include, for example, a complete lighting system that caters for a low-cost housing development. Once again, the key word is energy-efficiency.

The theme of this year’s competition is: Celebrate 20 years of democracy! and the closing date is 15 August 2014.

Prizes:

Category A: Residential Luminaire Design (Students)
First prize: R30 000
Second prize: R20 000
Third prize: R10 000
Educational institution prize money: R10 000
Top regional finalists (6): Lenovo 7” Android tablet (wifi and 3G enabled)
Total prize value: R85 000

Category B: Innovative Energy Efficient Lighting Design (Professional)
Prize money:
First prize: R40 000
Top regional finalists (6): R5000 each
Total prize money: R70 000

Category C: Most Promising Young Designer (Learners)
Prize money:
Most Promising Designer (Individual): R10 000
Top regional finalists (6): Lenovo 7” Android tablet (wifi and 3G enabled)
Educational institution prize money: R10 000
Total prize value: R35 000

Special Award: Most Promising PDI designer (Individual)
Prize money:
Most Promising PDI Designer (Individual): R10 000
Total prize money: R10 000

Full details are available on the following website: www.lighting-design.co.za, or from the competition organisers at tel 021 949 7419 / 083 293 2848 or via e-mail at karin@dalajunction.co.za


Market Photo Workshop seeks coordinator
Vacancy: Coordinator: Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (PDP)
To facilitate teaching and learning in the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme (PDP) through logistics and resource management, and to contribute to the development of a curriculum that is relevant to the media sector and contemporary documentary practice.
Job requirements:
  • A relevant qualification (photography, visual arts, media, journalism)
  • Minimum 1 year experience in a junior management or supervisory position within the media, arts and culture industries, non-profit OR minimum 3 years relevant experience in the media, arts and culture, non-profit
  • A good understanding of the needs of photojournalists and documentary photographers in South Africa and the continent as a whole, and also a critical awareness of the nature and role of the media on the continent.
  • Good communication, writing and organisational skills.
  • Excellent computer skills – especially MAC based, good knowledge and understanding of Photoshop, internet research, email
  • Work well under pressure
  • Experience of working at an education and training NGO or similar organisation would be an advantage
  • Compliment the skills set of the Market Photo Workshop
  • Committed to excellence in and relevance of photography education in South Africa
  • Passionate, driven and dynamic
Level of education: Relevant qualification – either in photography, cultural management and/or Media.
Remuneration: R7,500 - R9,000 per month cost to company negotiated according to qualifications and experience. Only applications submitted electronically will be considered and must include:
1. A covering letter: summarise career, explain interest in the position.
2. A comprehensive CV with contactable references.
Manager: HR
Manager: Programmes and Projects





Do business this year at INDABA in the world-class, Premium Lounge
"Think of the Lounge as your office away from the office during INDABA" South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima.
INDABA IS THE single biggest and best opportunity on the African continent for everybody who does business with the African travel and tourism industry.
Based on international trade show best practice, INDABA will this year, for the first time, introduce an exciting new format by launching a new Premium Lounge. INDABA is set to migrate over the next few years from double-storey stands to a beautifully appointed studio configuration.
South African Tourism is directing additional efforts towards the top international travel trade buyers who have expressed or demonstrated their eagerness to make Africa an important and valuable component of their businesses. These influential travel trade buyers have direct responsibility of uncovering products from Africa. The purpose of the new Premium Lounge zone will be to fast-track the focus of INDABA back to deal-making, giving premium exhibitors an area perfectly equipped to accommodate their meetings with buyers.
"Think of the Premium Lounge as your office away from the office," says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima. "We're locating the lounge in the heart of the International Convention Centre. It will comprise 52 professionally managed office studios that will come equipped with modern furnishings, access to plug points, uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi and regulated branding panels. All these will be designed to make it easy for buyers to find the space of the exhibitor they are scheduled to meet with."
Exhibitors who make use of the Premium Lounge are guaranteed up to 15 meetings with quality, hosted buyers every day. Entry to this zone will be carefully managed to make sure that only people who (literally) mean business are granted access. Hostesses (one per four studio hubs) will be assigned to assist with refreshment requirements. Optimised, managed diaries will give Premium Lounge exhibitors maximum business value and face-to-face meeting time with the best hosted buyers.
Premium Lounge studios will only be available to exhibitors who have already taken up INDABA stands of at least 18 square metres, and therefore already meet the product exhibitor qualification criteria.
Applications for the 52 studios will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis. South African Tourism anticipates strong demand for the spaces. To manage this, the application will be available only for 72 hours after it goes live online today at midday (GMT+2).
The cost of a Premium Lounge studio is at a premium as benchmarked against global trade show studio rates. However, in the spirit of partnership, recognizing the transition of INDABA in 2014, and to illustrate tangible support of the trade, South African Tourism will be sponsoring the majority of this cost, for this year only. Premium Lounge exhibitors whose applications are successful will only have to pay the cost of R10,000 ex vat.
Confirmed main exhibitors may apply for a Premium Lounge studio by signing into the Exhibitor Zoneand following the link to the 'Premium Lounge' application form. Complete it, submit it, make payment and the space is yours - provided yours is one of the first 52 applications received, evaluated and verified. The website will give you all the info you need.
"It's that simple," Mr Nzima says, "and it's that easy to secure a beautiful, professionally-equipped space for your INDABA meetings."
South African Tourism and the INDABA team have reaffirmed their commitment to the trade, to craft a revamped groundbreaking travel trade show for Africa. INDABA seeks to showcase best-in-class travel products throughout Africa that optimise the finest experiences that our beautiful continent can deliver, to captivate discerning international buyers. All African exhibitors and international buyer delegates come to INDABA each year to meet, close deals, network, strengthen relationships and plan future business. South African Tourism is dedicated to creating the best possible sales and marketing environment that results in short-term and long-term business to African suppliers.


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Thursday, April 10, 2014

Funding Database for South African Entrepreneurs


A Powerful Resource For SA Entrepreneurs

Useful link from the Deloitte KZN Funding Fair

This week I attended the Fair and was made aware of a fantastic resource for Entrepreneurs in South Africa.
It is a huge database of funders where you can seek funding for your business idea.  It features details on each fund and contact details and the process.  A great tool for any Entrepreneurs in SA.

To access the Database click on the link below and click on 'Funding Database for DEDT


Funding Database For South African Entrepreneurs

Click on Funding Database for DEDT

(Source - Deloitte KZN Funding Fair)


INDABA Networking Golf Day


9 May 2014
Registration at 9am
Tee-off: Shotgun start at 11am
Where: DCC Beachwood Golf Course
For more info email melissa@indabagolfday.co.za


This edition by +Fred Felton 






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Friday, April 26, 2013

SA Celebs for Radio Station VUMA 103FM, Indaba News and Blackberry Apps



VUMA 103FM is attracting Top SA Celebs

L’loyd Cele - VUMA 103FM - Photo by Val Adamson_DSC5400a.jpeg

L’loyd Cele - VUMA 103FM - Photo by Val Adamson



VUMA 103FM attracts Top SA Celebrities and Veteran Radio Stars
Fast making its mark on the country’s radio landscape, VUMA 103FM, the commercial isiZulu inspirational lifestyle radio station, which went live to air in November last, year, has attracted a stellar line-up of exciting additional presenters to its studios.
The station based in Umhlanga Newtown in Durban, announced today (April 25) that four new presenters would be added to the schedule from May 6 complementing the current vibrant line-up. New to the airwaves are businesswoman, model, and the first South African Survivor winner Vanessa Marawa, who is joined by Idols personality and singing sensation, L’loyd Cele. Two veterans of radio, the seasoned Lucky Sefatsa and the legendary Grant Shakoane, promise to add a wealth of experience to the dynamic established team.
“As Kwazulu-Natal’s only inspirational radio station we are strengthening our current talented roster with the introduction of some exciting new voices to the radio landscape and also re-introducing some beloved and familiar names for our listeners.” explains new Programmes Manager Thando Makhunga, “With Vanessa and L’loyd we will be bringing a fresh new approach to the airwaves and we are confident that Lucky and Grant will add their veteran savvy and warm charm to the station.”
“With the introduction of these new presenters, we have had to make some alterations in our scheduling,” explains Phindi Gule, Station Manager. “We are delighted to announce that Leleti Khumalo, co-host of the Kwasa Breakfast Show, is pregnant, and she will be taking maternity leave from July. We have therefore persuaded Vanessa, to take up the challenge and join the fun and madness of the breakfast show with Felix Hlophe. We are confident that Vanessa, who has a great voice for radio and a charming warm personality will slot in very comfortably with the morning drive team and add her appealing sense of humour to the show.”
“An amazing electric on-air chemistry has developed in the afternoon drive time show with current hosts Linda Ndimande and Ndoni Radebe.” says Gule. “We want to now channel this energy into the lunchtime slot, and Lucky Sefatsa will now host the afternoon drive show. Lucky, brings almost twenty years of radio experience to the station, and has a natural and connected rapport with his listeners.”
“I am very excited and have always wanted to venture into a new format of radio.” Says Sefatsa. “It’s the same feeling that I had when I started off in radio, and it’s a breath of fresh air.”
“The gracious and genteel Dumi B, who is currently in the afternoon slot will now host the 7pm to 10pm programme. Dumi will be joined by Leleti on Mondays to Wednesdays. Leleti, who will be reshuffling her priorities in preparation for motherhood, will also be hosting her own show on Thursday evenings.”
Veteran radio legend, Grant Shakoane who captured the hearts of listeners around the country and who will be remembered for coining the catchphrases “If it’s good, it’s Grant” and “For the time of your life, and life of your time”, promises to add a compassionate ear and warmth of heart to the Sunday 12 to 3pm slot. This will  be followed by the enchanting and personable star of stage and screen, L’loyd Cele  from 3 to 7pm.
“I have been away from radio educating and helping to raise my grandchildren.” says Shakoane aka Mr Shibababoo Shibaboo . “I am really very excited to be coming back to the airwaves. I come to Vuma as a blank canvas that wants to be painted by inspiration.”
“We are truly excited with this new line-up and we look forward to the extra dynamics that these presenters will add to the mix and, of course to the response from our loyal and ever-increasing listenership.” says Gule.
“We have been encouraged, through the prolific interaction and engagement on our social media platforms, that we are providing the much-needed inspirational authentic isiZulu content that out listeners are wanting.” concludes Nolan Vernon, Chief Operating Officer. “We have used these initial start up months to develop our internal processes and fine-tune our programming. We believe that by introducing these extraordinary additional talent to the station, that we will be able to offer even more uplifting and inspirational radio content to the people of KZN.”
The new programme will be available on www.vumafm.co.za on May 6.  Follow on Facebook  VUMAFM  or Twitter @VumaFM.

(Source - Vuma 103FM)





INDABA 2013


What's new at Indaba 2013?


South African Tourism’s plans for INDABA 2013 are well advanced as we set out to ensure Africa’s top travel show offers unrivalled opportunities to the global travel trade and new innovations in a market where tourism is growing exponentially above the rate of global growth.
We embarked on a process of gaining extensive industry feedback and comments post INDABA 2012, with a view to enhancing and strengthening INDABA’s standing and relevance for the Southern African tourism industry.
Through extensive industry engagements and roadshows, as well as an online feedback process, we have taken these comments on board and implemented a variety of the suggestions received. We’ve responded to industry and INDABA Bid Parties feedback to ensure we retained a four-day show and we have made considerable enhancements to ensure INDABA continues to be a major business platform with the primary aim of stimulating and facilitating tourism trade.
We will continue to leverage our “Shaping our Future Together” theme – which paid tribute to the joint efforts of South Africa’s tourism industry and its global partners in achieving the phenomenal growth experienced in recent years – but it will be underpinned with a strong ‘Heritage and Culture’ message.
For all global and local companies, individuals or tourism industry stakeholders keen to share in this growth story, we are confident INDABA 2013 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 11-14 May 2013 will be an unmatched event on the regional African tourism calendar not to be missed.
Some of the new and improved additions to INDABA 2013, of benefit to buyers this year are:
icon imageHeritage and Culture Pavilion
PavilionA “Heritage and Culture Pavilion”, located at the Durban Exhibition Centre, will innovatively showcase South Africa’s world heritage sites, its leisure offerings, culture, art, design and music. With our research showing more and more tourists are looking for intimate, personal connections with South Africa’s people, its history, culture and attractions, the Pavilion will tell South Africa?s story, strongly promote its heritage sites and give better insight into its people. The pavilion is a major project undertaken by the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, and the MOJA Heritage Collection, and will be an exhibition of some of the country?s best heritage and culture tourist offerings and distinctively South African tourism products.
icon imageSpeed Marketing Sessions
PavilionThe INDABA Speed Marketing sessions, which were very popular at INDABA 2012, will again be an even more integral part of the show this year, with the focus on National Parks of South Africa on Saturday, Heritage and Culture on Sunday and Wine Routes of South Africa on the Monday.

The speed marketing sessions will give hundreds of international buyers the invaluable opportunity of being exposed to - and to do business with - a wide cross-section of South African tourism products. It will also give exhibitors an opportunity to interact with quality international buyers.
icon imageTourism Grading Council of South Africa Masterclass
with TripAdvisor
PavilionThe Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) will again at INDABA 2013 host a master class with TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest and most influential travel website with 60 million unique monthly users.

The workshop will be open to all star-graded accommodation establishments and will be an invaluable session, providing tips first-hand from TripAdvisor experts on how best to use the platform to market your establishment to a worldwide and increasingly socially-engaged audience.
icon imageTravel Bloggers Conference
PavilionOn the eve of INDABA this year, we will be hosting the biggest travel blogging event of the year to share insights with the trade on how critical the travel blogging fraternity has become in promoting destinations and tourism businesses online.

Working closely with the influential iAmbassador network, South African Tourism will be hosting 20 bloggers from all over the world in the build up to and during INDABA. Covering fashion, lifestyle, travel and food, these bloggers will be embarking on different itineraries that will cover the broad spectrum of activities, experiences, attractions and accommodation that South Africa has to offer. These bloggers will be sharing their stories with the trade at a special event in Durban on 10 May.

Practical sessions from the bloggers will unlock how travel bloggers can cover and promote a destination, using their own tools and techniques, with the bloggers showcasing their stories of how they have ‘met’ and interacted with South Africa’s people and its tourist offerings through their eyes. The trade will be given access to some of the world’s top travel bloggers, and the sessions promise to be informative and innovative.
icon imageIndaba Connect
PavilionAt INDABA this year, particular attention has been paid to making sure that exhibitors, buyers, media and stakeholders are able to connect with all the key people, places and things they need for a successful INDABA.

One of the innovations we are adding this year, besides the information we have available via our website, mobile app and social media coverage of the event, is technology specifically designed to allow easy connections - which we are calling ‘INDABA Connect’.

INDABA Connect is a simple, but powerful platform that allows information, contact details, images and presentations to be easily shared among show delegates, in a very simple integrated way. By simply touching a delegate or exhibitor’s tag at an exhibitor’s stand, presentation, event or activation, users will have all the information attached to their online INDABA Connect profile. All of the information will be stored in one place and will make getting in touch easier and more productive than sharing business cards, brochures and CD-Roms or USB sticks.

Going green and going digital means that buyers and exhibitors are able to connect and share information more effectively than before, enabling better engagement before, during and after the show. It’s not just about sharing contact information, but making all of the relevant INDABA content available online for easy reference and better connectivity. This will allow for more meaningful connections this year, which is also going to be measurable for everyone using the platform.

We will be sharing more information about how the INDABA Connect platform will function closer to the show, while the Matchmaking diary system designed to facilitate important business connections at INDABA will again be in place.
icon imageIncreasing Hosted Buyers is a deliberate Strategy
PavilionINDABA is of course first and foremost a major trade show and as SA Tourism we have set ourselves the target of gradually increasing the number of international Hosted Buyers attending INDABA under our auspices.

Over 1 165 main and sharing exhibitors and 2 000 international and local buyers - 250 of them top international buyers hosted by South African Tourism - have already confirmed their attendance at INDABA 2013, with that number growing daily. And while the emphasis is on ensuring the INDABA Hosted Buyers number remains substantial, we are also conscious of ensuring the quality of buyers selected is stringently vetted to ensure only those with serious intentions of doing business with South Africa’s tourism trade are invited to INDABA .

We are again expecting well over 500 journalists to cover INDABA this year, over 100 of them top trade and leisure journalists hosted by our Country offices at INDABA and on a number of pre- and post-tours all across South Africa. Another exciting innovation at INDABA 2013 is the introduction of Live Host Radio and Television broadcasts. We are busy finalizing arrangements with a top information and business radio station and the country’s top national broadcasters to interview, broadcast and disseminate daily news from INDABA 2013.

Key industry players, exhibitors, buyers and leading tourism figures will be given interview opportunities at this year’s show for anyone wanting to do business with South Africa and its Southern African neighbours and to get a better feel for the regional African tourism industry, INDABA 2013 will be a treasure trove of key introductions, business opportunities and exposure to hundreds of exhibitors across the tourism spectrum.

For the tourism industry, there is the opportunity to interact and forge strong business links with some of the world’s top travel buyers. INDABA remains the premier regional African tourism platform for global buyers to gain easy access to the widest possible cross-section of the South African tourism industry - all under one roof – and we are very excited about the show this year.
INDABA will also make news, trends and the latest data impacting on the South, Southern and regional African tourism industry completely accessible and available to hundreds of local and international news journalists covering the show. A number of news-gathering events have been planned, including topical briefings to give insight into South African Tourism’s market outlook, in-market campaigns and activities.
We are confident that INDABA 2013 is taking shape as one of the best shows we have ever produced and we encourage you to use the platform to stimulate the critical tourism business needed to sustain our industry.
(Source - South African Tourism)





Check out the following BlackBerry Q10 apps you’ll be sure to love:

Social:
·         BlackBerry Messenger
·         Facebook
·         Foursquare (Foursquare)
·         LinkedIn (LinkedIn Corporation)
·         Twitter (Twitter, Inc.)
·         WhatsApp (WhatsApp Inc.)

Entertainment:
·         Maxim (Maxim)
·         Nobex Radio (Nobex Technologies Inc.)
·         Soundtracker (South Ventures USA)

Business Tools:
·         Box (Box, Inc.)
·         Canvas Business Forms Mobile Productivity (Canvas)
·         Dropbox
·         SalesNOW (Interchange Solutions Inc)

News & Photography:
·         InstaPhoto (Smarter Apps)
·         New York Times (The New York Times)
·         Paper Camera (JFDP Labs Ltd)
·         Press Reader (NewspaperDirect, Inc.)
·         USA Today (USA TODAY)
·         Wall Street Journal (The Wall Street Journal)

Gaming:
·         Angry Birds (Rovio Entertainment Ltd)
·         Bejeweled 2 (Electronic Arts Inc.)
·         Need for Speed Undercover (Electronic Arts Inc.)
·         New York Time Crosswords (Magmic)

Latest App News: Keep an eye out for ATP Tour, Cut the Rope and Viber apps which will be available on the BlackBerry Z10 and the Q10 in the upcoming weeks.

You can also submit your nominations for the Best Built for BlackBerry App from now until April 28th. The top 4 nominations will be voted on between May 1st and May 10th, and the winners will be announced at the BlackBerry Live Developer Tweetup on May 15, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.

For a look at all BlackBerry 10 apps, head to BlackBerry World.

For the latest BlackBerry news follow @BlackBerryNews and @BlackBerry_ZA on Twitter.


(Source - Blackberry)




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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Time for the BASA Awards and INDABA 2013 has a travel bloggers conference


Here comes the BASA Awards


Entries open for South Africa’s only awards celebrating partnerships between business and the arts
The Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, are the only awards celebrating the varied ways that business partners with the arts in South Africa – and entry to the 2013 awards is now open.
Created 16 years ago to celebrate and advance excellence, innovation and value in business and arts partnerships, entry into the awards covers the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 and can be done by the business, the arts project or even a third-party.
“This year, we want to throw the net even wider and are encouraging the nomination of arts-business partnerships through as many channels as possible,” says Business and Arts South Africa CEO, Michelle Constant. 
Twelve of the 15 categories at the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, are now open for entry, encompassing all creative mediums and a wide spectrum of partnerships, from small and in-kind to large-scale or long term.
Covering all aspects of the arts, each of the twelve categories is of equal value, with winners each receiving a specially commissioned work of art. 
The prestige and significance of winning a Business Day BASA Award, supported by Anglo American, is based on the evaluation of the success of each partnership in achieving the objectives of the business and the artist or art project, and in bringing genuine value and benefit to both.  Factors such as the innovative nature of the partnership, value and success of the project are taken into account by an independent panel of judges, which will adjudicate the entries according to the specific criteria of each category. 
Among last year’s winners were Nando’s Chickenland Ltd which won the International Sponsorship award for the Nando’s Art Collection, Sasol, which was honoured in the Long Term Partnership category for the Sasol New Signature Art Competition and Santam Limited which won the Youth Development award for its Santam's Child Art Programme.
Entry into the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, is facilitated by an online system on thebasa.co.za website that is continually streamlined to ensure ease of use, and will remain open until May 10th 2013.
Over the past 15 years, the Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, have played an increasingly important role in Business and Arts South Africa’s mandate to ensure the relevance, advancement and sustainability of the arts in South Africa.
Specifically, the awards encourage, promote and celebrate mutually beneficial, equitable, and sustainable business arts partnerships and collaborations that will, over the long term, benefit the broader South African community.  Together with more recent additions to Business and Arts South Africa’s scope of work – like the BASA Arts Sponsorship Management Toolkit - the awards also play a crucial role in recognising the commercial benefit and success for businesses that support the arts.
The full list of categories now open for entry in the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American is as follows:
Innovation Award: This award recognises the most innovative and progressive partnership in all mediums of creativity; one that has served all the partners’ purposes effectively over the past 12 months and highlighted creativity and originality in the process.
First Time Sponsor Award: For a business supporting the arts for the first time, regardless of size, budget, or whether it is CSI or marketing.
Increasing Access to the Arts Award: For a partnership that has encouraged specific audience engagement with the arts or has made a significant contribution to brand, market and audience development, while still promoting the business through above-the-line media or a partnership that has made a significant contribution to regeneration or sustainable growth through a CSI budget.
International Sponsorship Award: Awarded to a global-level partnership that builds brand reputation and audience for both the business and arts organisations across international borders through an event or marketing project showcasing SA to the rest of the world, and/or bringing international arts projects to South Africa.
Long Term Partnership Award: A company which has significantly developed and expanded its commitment to an arts project over three years or longer. The value to the arts project, the broader community and the business, must be apparent.
Media Sponsorship Award: For consistent and innovative support given by electronic, print, broadcast and web based media.
Single Strategic Project Award: For an outstanding single sponsorship, with best use of a project, which is an integral part of the sponsors overall brand and marketing programme.
Small Business Award: For vital support given to the arts by a small company with one to 200 full-time employees and an annual turnover of no more than R10 million.
Sponsorship In Kind Award: For a company giving non-financial support to the arts.
Youth Development Award: For projects which involve young artists and/or young audiences; an educational and development element should be implicit in the sponsorship.
Arts and Environment Award, supported by Nedbank” For business support of arts and culture projects which contribute towards the sustainability of the environment.
Mentor of the Year Award, supported by Etana: Recognises the long-term contribution of a volunteer business mentor to arts organisations through the Mentorship Programme, and only mentors from the BASA Mentorship Programme are eligible for this Award
Categories to be awarded by the chairman and the judging panel:
Diplomacy in the Arts: Given in recognition of Foreign Missions which contribute to the development and preservation of the arts in South Africa as well as the continued prioritisation of cultural diplomacy between South Africa and the international community.
Art Champion Award: Awarded to an individual for outstanding achievement in the encouragement of business support for the arts.
Chairman’s Premier Award: This is made at the discretion of the Chairman of BASA and recognises sustained and extraordinary commitment to the arts in South Africa.
The Awards are audited by Grant Thornton.
The closing date for entries for the BASA Awards is May 10th 2013.
The easy-to-use online nomination system can be accessed on the BASA website at www.basa.co.za. The awards section features tips, guidelines, rules and regulations and online nomination forms. Information about previous winners can also be found on this website. 
Those requiring more information can also call Lakin Morgan at the BASA offices on 011 447 2295 or  011 447 2289 - or email lakin@basa.co.za.


(Source - BASA) 


Tourism INDABA - Africa's top travel show, 11 - 14 May 2013, Durban ICC



Heritage and Culture a major focus of exciting INDABA 2013
The South African Tourism INDABA 2013, Africa’s top travel show, is set to offer unrivalled opportunities, new innovations and networking platforms for the tourism trade and international buyers this year to stimulate tourism business in a market growing well above the rate of global growth.

Between January and November 2012, South Africa had attracted over 8.3 million international tourists and grown at 10.5% (against average global tourism growth of 4% in 2012), as the country continued to entrench its reputation as a world-class leisure and business events destination.

For all global and local companies, individuals or tourism industry stakeholders keen to share in this growth story, INDABA 2013 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 11 - 14 May 2013 will be an unmatched event on the regional African tourism calendar not to be missed.

Last year’s INDABA theme of “Shaping our Future Together” - which paid tribute to the joint efforts of South Africa’s tourism industry and its global partners in achieving the phenomenal growth in recent years - will again be the theme at INDABA 2013, which will also have a strong ‘Heritage and Culture’ focus.

For anyone wanting to do business with South Africa and its Southern African neighbours and to get a better feel for the regional African tourism industry, INDABA 2013 will be a treasure trove of key introductions, business opportunities and exposure to hundreds of exhibitors across the tourism spectrum. For the tourism industry, there is the opportunity to interact and forge strong business links with some of the world’s top travel buyers.
Over 1 165 main and sharing exhibitors and 2 000 international and local buyers - 250 of them top international buyers hosted by South African Tourism - have already confirmed their attendance at INDABA 2013, with that number growing daily.

While South Africa is a destination of spectacular beauty, offering every conceivable tourist attraction under the African sun to suit every pocket, the destination’s differentiator is its warm, hospitable people and the memories they leave visitors with long after they’ve left.
A major new addition at INDABA this year will be a ‘Heritage and Culture Pavilion’ located at the Durban Exhibition Centre, which will innovatively showcase South Africa’s world heritage sites, its leisure offerings, culture, art, design and music - all of which combine to tell South Africa’s story, its history, its future and gives better insight into its people.

The pavilion is a major project undertaken by the National Department of Tourism and South African Tourism, in collaboration with the MOJA Heritage Collection, and it will be an exhibition of some of the country’s best heritage and culture tourist offerings and distinctively South African tourism products.
All delegates - exhibitors, buyers, media and visitors - are encouraged to visit the ‘Heritage and Culture’ pavilion, to experience South African stories woven in folklore, myth and history and the country’s globally celebrated sense of style in design, arts and crafts.

“Our market research shows that travellers are increasingly looking to experience the unique, authentic, personal South African stories. They are looking to meet the locals, experience where they live, eat where they eat and be part of the country’s culturally rich lifestyle, while learning about the history of this great country. The Heritage and Culture pavilion will be an exciting addition to INDABA 2013 and we have also included a number of new elements to the show this year which will be of major value to buyers and exhibitors,” says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer Thulani Nzima.

INDABA is primarily a trade show and to this end the Speed Marketing sessions, which were very popular at INDABA 2012, will again be an even more integral part of the show this year, with the focus on National Parks of South Africa on Saturday, Heritage and Culture on Sunday and Wine Routes of South Africa on Monday. The speed marketing sessions will give hundreds of international buyers the invaluable opportunity of being exposed to - and to do business with - a wide cross-section of South African tourism products.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) will again at INDABA 2013 host a master class with TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest and most influential travel website with 60 million unique monthly users. The workshop will be open to all star-graded accommodation establishments and will be an invaluable session, providing tips first-hand from TripAdvisor experts on how best to use the platform to market your establishment to a worldwide and increasingly socially-engaged audience.

Another exciting feature at INDABA for the first time will be a Travel Bloggers conference on the eve of the show, attended by some of the most influential international and local bloggers, who will unpack the changing face of destination marketing and the importance of personalised, user-generated content and social media engagement and its impact for the tourism trade.

At INDABA this year, particular attention has been paid to making sure that exhibitors, buyers, media and stakeholders are able to connect with all the key people, places and things they need for a successful INDABA.
One of the innovations this year, besides the information on the website, mobile app and social media coverage of the event, is technology specifically designed to allow easy connections - which will be called ‘INDABA Connect’.

INDABA Connect is a simple, but powerful platform that allows information, contact details, images and presentations to be easily shared among show delegates, in a very simple integrated way. By simply touching a delegate or exhibitor's tag at an exhibitor's stand, presentation, event or activation, users will have all the information attached to their online INDABA Connect profile, which will make getting in touch easier and more productive than sharing business cards, brochures and CD-Roms or USB sticks. This will also enable better engagement for delegates before, during and after the show - allowing for more meaningful connections this year.
The Matchmaking diary system, designed to facilitate important business connections between exhibitors and buyers at INDABA, will again be in place.

“The South African tourism industry is a very exciting one to be part of right now and we are confident the growth we are experiencing will translate into increased business opportunities. Our potential is huge and to unleash it we are working hard to attract quality global buyers to INDABA 2013, who are committed to doing tourism business with South Africa and to tap into our destination’s unique and diverse offerings. Despite tough economic times, South Africa’s tourism industry has continued to see growth in recent years and as a collective we need to grow and shape the future of our industry together. INDABA remains the premier regional African tourism platform for global buyers to gain easy access to the widest possible cross-section of the South African tourism industry - all under one roof - and we are very excited about the show this year,” says Nzima.

Over 600 local and international journalists and broadcasters are set to cover all the tourism news and trends at INDABA. A number of news-gathering events and activations have been planned, including topical briefings to give insight into South African Tourism’s market outlook, in-market campaigns and activities.
INDABA will take place from May 11 to 14. For more information on the show and for details on how to register to attend, visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.

(Source - INDABA) 


Music Events

Cloud 9 will play at St. Clements garden restaurant this Friday 19 April at 7.30pm.
Tickets R35 at the door. Tel 031 2022511
 
Their music features Swing favourites, Blues from the American Deep South, Classic Rock and contemporary favourites, including some Country and Western Classics.
The band is arguably one of the most versatile groups in Durban and is sure to appeal to a wide rande of music lovers.

(Source - St Clements) 













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