The South African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) has announced that the Council of Events Professionals Africa (CEPA) will be reconstituted as a special interest group under the SACIA umbrella. 

CEPA was established in 2014 as the events industry’s Professional Body to develop and award professional designations to individuals working in the events industry. Originally formed as a three-way partnership between the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA), the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Africa and the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), the Council (CEPA) has broad buy-in from members of all three associations, and the CEPA Board members appointed by the founding associations will continue to oversee activities through their appointment to a governing council. 

SACIA has been instrumental in establishing and implementing professional standards and ethical business practices across the Communications Industries for the past 10 years. The journey has included the development and roll-out of professional designations for practitioners in the Audio-Visual, Broadcast and Live Events sectors – traditionally areas in which experiential learning is more prevalent than formal qualifications. SACIA’s objective is to provide clearly defined career pathways for individuals working in these areas, to encourage a commitment to lifelong learning, and to protect the public against unethical and/or unprofessional behaviour from certified members. 

Along with the professional designations already available, SACIA will now proceed to develop and register new professional designations for the Event Management sector as well. This will provide for a formal recognition of competencies for professionals working as Event Co-ordinators, Event Managers and Event Directors, including related service providers across both small- and large-scale events in southern Africa. The events industry includes conferences, exhibitions, festivals and awards functions but also extends to weddings, funerals, sports days, social excursions, fund-raising events and much more. The baseline standard outlined in the various Professional Designation levels can be applied to all industry professionals working in the events industry, thereby creating new opportunities for individuals who may have been marginalised and/or denied access to commercial opportunities in the past.  

Events practitioners will soon be able apply for a designation to suit their level of expertise by submitting the relevant documentation and undertaking an online competency assessment through SACIA. Demonstrable proof of competency affords their clients’ peace of mind, knowing that they will receive a professional standard of delivery.  

“This is a fast-growing industry and we are excited to be moving forward with SACIA’, says Sue Gannon, ex GM of EXSA and now Director/Treasurer and Chair of the Skills, Certifications, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for CEPA. “Many of the people working in the events industry do not have a formal qualification but they’ve built up their core knowledge by attending short courses and learning on the job. Why should they not have a formal designation if they have the competencies required? We need to recognise the value of prior learning and provide for career paths within our industry.”  

Melanie Sillince, Director and Chair of Marketing & Secretariat, CEPA, says, “I believe that joining SACIA will fast track our dream of certifying our industry, offering a platform for creating jobs and providing much needed skills transfer and development without it costing those who wish to professionalise themselves, time and large sums of money.” 

According to Glenn van Eck, CEPA Board Chairman, the pioneering work done by the Board of CEPA has created a wonderful foundation for its successful incorporation under the SACIA umbrella. “At the end of the day, our primary objective is to give events customers a greater opportunity to be assured of world-class delivery for their investment in professional businesses. It will also provide an opportunity for first-time entrants into the industry to be exposed to the knowledge and experience of mentors in the Events Industry and enable them to fast track their expertise as a new generation of event professionals.."   

The merger with CEPA positions SACIA for coverage across the full spectrum of the events industry – including technical, operations and management, and opens up opportunities for SACIA members to tackle new challenges and prepare for industry advancements with a unified voice. The Association’s expanded structure will deliver enhanced value to all its stakeholders across the broader events industries, including live sound, audio-visual, event safety, cinematography, outside broadcast operations, lighting design, film and television, content creation and events management.  

“Incorporating CEPA into our existing SACIA structures will allow us to expand our footprint and deliver real value to all stakeholders working in the events industry, from event organisers through to the technical crew responsible for turning dreams into reality,” concludes SACIA executive director Kevan Jones. “It’s about an entire industry sector coming together in the shared pursuit of excellence.”

“We are part of the industry and therefore perfectly placed to identify trends”

“We’re ready for this year and great things are already underway, from a new corporate identity that reflects where Spintelligent is going, to exciting new events that will be launched in the second half of this year”, says David Ashdown, Managing Director of Spintelligent Pty, the leading Cape Town-based publisher, trade exhibition and conference organizer in the power, mining, agriculture, defence and education sectors.

New identity reflects transformation
As of the beginning of 2015 the company boasts a revitalised corporate identity with new printed and electronic collateral, which Ashdown says “reflects the transformation that is taking place in the company and the new direction we have taken as we continue to evolve and redefine our business from the inside out, while remaining in touch with the industry to stay relevant, vital and innovative.”

Training Academy
Part of this growth is the new Spintelligent Training Academy that was established at the end of last year to address learning and development needs in the energy, utilities and mining industries on the African continent. Says David Ashdown: ”we are part of the industry and therefore perfectly placed to identify trends and gaps with regards to skills development. The Training Academy’s first courses have started and will give power professionals from South Africa, Ghana to Nigeria practical insights into and solutions to their daily challenges.”    

Busy first quarter & new events
A busy first quarter is already underway as the preparation for various upcoming flagship Spintelligent events is in full swing. These shows include the agriculture and mining expos in Zambia: Agritech Expo and CBM-TEC, both of which were launched with great success last year, will take place again in April and May in Chisamba and Kitwe this year.

“Then as part of our ongoing strategy to identify gaps in the market and broadening our audiences at existing strong shows”, says Spintelligent’s David Ashdown, “we are launching four new events in the second half of this year. The new Clean Power East Africa, Clean Power West Africa and the iPAD Power & Infrastructure Investment Forums in Uganda and Cameroon are all extensions of highly successful Spintelligent event franchises.”

Publishing
Spintelligent’s Publishing division has just launched the second edition of the “Most influential people in Africa’s power sector” publication, which features the most influential people who are shaping the power sector across the continent. This complements the “Most influential people in European Smart Grid” publication, which was launched late last year.

Says David Ashdown: “with 22 publications a year, this is a busy department, and we have an amazing team working to make our titles best in class, setting new standards in the power, metering, smart energy and mining publishing sectors.” 

Contact:
Communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web:  www.spintelligent.com

About Spintelligent
Spintelligent (Pty) Ltd is an African media business, specialising in Exhibitions, Conferences and Publishing. Head-quartered in Cape Town with a team of 90 experienced professionals, Spintelligent is a dynamic and recognised organiser across multiple industry sectors and geographies. A specialist organiser with the ability to deliver key growth projects in the early emerging markets of the African continent.

Spintelligent is the African partner office of Clarion Events Ltd, the UK based organiser operating in 36 countries worldwide with 9 subsidiary offices delivering over 500 exhibitions and conferences annually.

Spintelligent delivers projects in African growth industry sectors; Power & Utilities; Energy; Mining; Education & Careers; Agriculture; Infrastructure; Military & Defence. Spintelligent delivers projects in the emerging African markets; South Africa; Nigeria; Ghana; Kenya; Tanzania; DRC; Angola; Mozambique; Zambia.

Spintelligent is recognised for its print and electronic publications, with market-leading brands including Metering International, ESI Africa and Mining Review Africa. Its regular global events and exhibitions, as well as its critical business intelligence and integrated marketing services make it a leader in its field. The company’s highly skilled resources in management, marketing, research and production allow for unique products bridging the developed and developing markets.

www.spintelligent.com
www.spintelligent.com/pages/detail/16472

 

Hotel Izulu, the 5 star Hotel in Ballito, will host its latest wine market on Sunday the 26 October 2014 from 12:00. Oak Valley Wines will pair with the latest culinary offerings created by Executive Chef, Jennifer du Toit. 

Guests can look forward to Marinated Seafood Salad with Shellfish Vinaigrette, paired with Oak Valley Rose, or the mouth-watering Seared Tomato and Mozzarella Quiche and Fresh Watercress, paired with Oak Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Another option to consider is the Thai Fish Cake with Coriander Pesto, paired with Oak Valley Semillon and the Crisp Pork Belly on Carvery, Cider Sauce paired with Oak Valley Shiraz. Lastly; Rosemary Lamb and Aubergine Skewers paired with Oak Valley Cabernet Franc.

Tickets are R195 for adults and children (3-16) R70, which includes a cold drink, a child’s meal and ice cream for dessert. There is ample space for children to play while the adults enjoy the food, wine pairing and live music from ‘Afritude.’

A new pancake stall will be on offer as well as the famous Izulu Deli! The Deli offers  Soup, Cheese Boards, Breads, Biscuits and Hotel Izulu’s famous Fudge. All featured wines will be on sale for a special price as well as wine coolers.

Reservations Essential: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 032 946 3444

Renowned for its culinary offerings throughout the year, the 5 star Hotel Izulu, situated in Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal has created a culinary line up of note for guests to enjoy up to and over the festive season, under the leadership of celebrated Executive Chef, Jennifer du Toit.  

A Festive Year End Function Buffet Menu will run up to and including 19 December,at R240 per person, Monday to Friday, subject to availability. This is ideal for end of year functions. Starters include - Roasted Aubergine and Chickpea Salad with Sesame Dressing, Poached Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad, Smoked Salmon, Confit Lemon and Watercress on Bruschetta, Beef Sirloin Skewers with Mustard and Truffle Cream. For mains - Pineapple Glazed Gammon with Cherry Jus, Roasted Duck, Wilted Spinach and Mushroom on Tagliatelle, Hot-Smoked Line Fish with Lemon and Fennel Sauce, Seasonal Roast Vegetables, Caramelised Pumpkin, Rosemary Baby Potatoes and Spiced Cous-Cous. Delectable Desserts - Apple Crumble Pie and Ginger Cream, Sherry Trifle and a Fresh Fruit Platter option.  

For Christmas Day Lunch in the glamorous Imbizo Hall, from 12:00 onwards, guests can dinefor R550 per person. To commence the feast, guests can enjoy starters such as Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Mango and Sesame Salad with Fresh Rocket and Wasabi Dressing, Beef Silverside Carpaccio, Tempura Aubergine, Capers and Parmesan Crisp, Grilled Courgette Salad, Roast Pepper, Wilted Spinach and Cous-Cous Salad, Garden Salad with Cranberries, Marinated Mushroom, Butternut and Lentil Salad, Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce, Mini Yorkshire Puddings with Beef Fillet and Pork Belly Wantons. Mains - Braised Mutton and Pea Parpadelle with Red Wine Ragout, Roast Chicken with Cracked Pepper and Tarragon, Whole Salt-Baked Salmon, Christmas Turkey with Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing, Crayfish and Seafood Potji, Whole Caramelised Gammon with Phyllo-wrapped Apples , Garlic and Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes, Roast Vegetable Lasagne, Grilled Seasonal Veg, Braised Wild Rice Pilaff and Spiced Baby Carrots. Divine Desserts - Coffee Cheesecake with Mocha Cream, Fresh Fruit Pavlova with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Tart Tatin , Traditional Christmas cake with brandy cream and a Cheeseboard.  

Dance in the New Year in style for R695 per person in Gigi’s Brasserie, starting from 19h30, inclusive of a bottle of bubbly per couple. Enjoy an Amuse Bouche of Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan Foam. For starters - Kudu Wellington with Micro Herb Salad or Seafood Platter of Prawn California Roll, Salmon Gravlax and Tuna Tare-Tare followed by a Palate Cleanser of Green Apple and Mint Sorbet. Then for mains, Sous-Vide Beef Flank, Potato Dauphinoise, Harlequin Asparagus, Porcini Veloute or Seared Prawn, Mussel and Line fish with Ribbon Vegetables in Seafood Vinaigrette or Leek, Halloumi and Confit Red Cabbage Terrine with Butternut Cream and Pea Shoots. Decadent Desserts - Dark Chocolate Tiramisu with Hazelnut Cream and Coffee Tuile or Raspberry and Ricotta Bavaria with Popcorn Ice Cream and a selection of South African Cheeses with preserves and a selection of crackers & bread.

For bookings please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PRESS RELEASE
12 May 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

StateoftheART is proud to present "WILD & STILL: expressions of the landscape", an exhibition of mixed media, digital art, drawing and sculptural pieces by Janet Botes.

At a time of turmoil and ennui within the current political and social landscape of our country, Janet has chosen to explore personal and emotional responses in the context of  our environment. 'Wild & Still' refers to this duality; personal responses of fear versus contemplation and appreciation for nature - whilst  alluding to these characteristics within ourselves, as individuals.

    "the revolution or emancipation of a country starts with the voluntary changing of the individual's mindset" - Vivien Kohler

Janet's work is inspired by her own reaction and relationship to nature - but also informed by happenings and issues in environmental justice and sustainable development. 'Wildness' as referred to in this exhibition represents the sheer power and awe of water - waves crashing onto the beach, a storm raging in the sky. 'Stillness' is encapsulated in the curve of a shell, in the silent beauty of mist and the details of an insect’s wing.

    "I believe that if one can really appreciate or see beauty in all aspects of nature, accept the 'wildness' and create 'stillness' within ourselves, we'd have a more compassionate interaction within our daily lives, and contribute to humanity in a collective revolution" - Janet Botes

Opening 5th June @ 6pm
Introduction by VIP guest Strijdom van der Merwe
Performance Art at 7pm
Artist Walkabout and Performance 14 June at 11am

61 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town.
Gallery hours: 10-5 weekdays, 10-2 Saturdays.

For more information please contact Jennifer on 0724709272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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