The eagerly anticipated annual PCO Alliance Network boat party took place on the Vaal on Friday, 27 October. PCO Alliance members and other event professionals from their network donned their best Mama Mia gear for this themed celebration, with music, mirror balls, and a magical afternoon on the water.
Ellen Oosthuizen, chairperson of the PCO Alliance, says, “This annual event that the PCO Alliance hosts for our valued industry suppliers, started over ten years ago and is the highlight of our event’s calendar. It is a chance to reconnect with our industry colleagues and fellow members, and to thank them for all the support they give us during the year. We choose a different theme each year to celebrate being together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Some of our guests told us on the day that they cannot wait for the next one!”
“Some of our guests told us on the day that they cannot wait for the next one!”
Those who were catching the shuttle met at CedarWoods of Sandton for some delicious breakfast nibbles before joining the rest of the group at the Riviera on Vaal Resort for some pre-drinks and live music on the banks of the Vaal River. This was followed by a cruise, onboard one of Aqua Lounge’s double decker boats, with drinks, snacks, a dance floor, and 41 coveted prizes being given away.
The generous prizes included exclusive dinners and overnight stays at leading hotels around the country, as well as a 4-night holiday in Mauritius for two from the Mauritius Incentive Connection. (See below for a full list of prizes.)
The event would not have been possible without the kind support of its sponsors: Event Synthesis (event registration), Cedarwoods of Sandon (departure point, parking, and snacks), LZ Travel (return bus), Riviera on Vaal (welcome drinks, entertainment), Chat’r (green name badges, selfie wall), ZooM Photography (photo booth), Aqua Lounge Vaal River Cruises (boat cruise), O&L Leisure (social media prizes), and Krispy Kreme (branded doughnuts).
About the PCO Alliance
The PCO Alliance Network was founded as a platform for PCO’s (Professional Conference Organisers) to come together and network constructively. In addition to sharing industry insights, the Network has developed a database of preferred suppliers (venues and hospitality suppliers) who offer them exclusive extra incentives.
As one PCO commented at the event, “Technically, because we are all PCOs, we are all in competition with each other. But what is amazing is that it has never been a competitive group; we always welcome, help, and support each other.”
Another feature that makes the PCO Alliance unique is that membership is by invitation only, and the number of members is capped at 30 – ensuring that it remains a space where everyone knows everyone else, and authentic relationships can be established and nurtured.
To find out more, please visit: www.pcoalliance.co.za.
Thanks to the prize sponsors
A big thanks also goes to the sponsors for contributing the following fabulous prizes for this event:
The Venue:
- R1 500 Sejour voucher at The Houghton Hotel
- R2 000 Sebula voucher at The African Pride Melrose Arch
Thabo Eco Hotel: A bed and breakfast stay valued at R3 520.
Fancourt: Two night’s accommodation for two people sharing.
aha Hotels & Lodges: Two nights’ accommodation for two people at aha Makalali Main Lodge, in Hoedspruit, including meals and game drives.
O&L Marketing: Two nights for two people, at Rnew at Vaal Estates.
Southern Spoor: An overnight stay with breakfast at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel.
Voco Johannesburg Rosebank: An overnight stay with breakfast for two.
African Hills Lodge & Spa: A weekend for two, including of dinner, breakfast, game drive and elephant experience.
Kievitskroon: One nights stay for two, including dinner and breakfast.
Champagne Sports Resort: A weekend stay for two adults, including dinner, bed, and breakfast.
Riverstone Lodge: An overnight stay for two, including breakfast and a back, neck, and shoulder massage for two at the Lavisa massage rooms.
Peermont Hotels: One night’s accommodation and breakfast for two, at the Peermont Metcourt Hotel.
Avianto: An exclusive romantic picnic for two.
Orion Hotels: A one night stay, including bed and breakfast, for two adults at The Venue Country Hotel and Spa in Hartbeespoort.
RH Hotels: One night’s bed and breakfast at Holiday Inn Johannesburg Rosebank.
Pepper Club: Dinner and a movie for two, to the value of R530, in the COPA Restaurant and Odeon Cinema.
The Capital Hotels: A two-night stay for two on a bed and breakfast basis at any one of The Capital Hotels & Apartments properties.
Protea Hotel Clarens: Two nights’ accommodation.
Hotel Sky: Complimentary breakfast for two at Hotel Sky Sandton.
ANEW Hotels & Resorts: One night bed and breakfast for two at any ANEW hotel or resort.
Misty Hills: Two-night stay for two, inclusive of dinner, bed, and breakfast.
Minor Hotels:
- Two nights bed and breakfast for two at the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino.
- Two nights bed and breakfast for two at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort.
- Two nights bed and breakfast for two at the Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.
Protea Hotels: One night bed and breakfast for two at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton.
Radisson Group: One night bed and breakfast for two at Radisson Red Rosebank.
Tsogo Sun:
- One night bed and breakfast for two at Emerald resorts & Casino.
- Breakfast for two at Pivot Hotel, Montecasino.
Southern Sun:
- Breakfast for two at Southern Sun Sandton.
- One night bed and breakfast at Riverside Sun.
Irene Estate:
- Full Body Massage for two people at Camdeboo Day Spa to the value of R1 850 each.
- Complimentary fourball golf vouchers at Irene Country Club or Centurion Country Club to the value of R1 250 each.
The Westin Cape Town: One night bed and breakfast for two.
IHG Hotels: A two-night stay in Mauritius.
Mauritius Incentive Connection: Four nights in Mauritius, including airport transfers and full day cruise, for two people.
4Mal Media: Full page write-up in Meetings magazine, valued at R20 000.
The Houghton Hotel: R750 Nova Bistro voucher – for the best dressed.
The African Pride Melrose Arch: R750 Aduna Voucher – for the best dressed.
African Hills Safari Lodge: Sunday lunch for two – for the best selfie.
O&L Leisure: Two Jenna Clifford mugs – for the best selfie.
