the forum’s Kim Roberts is best known for her innovation and creativity and her love of cappuccino. SA Conference chats to her…
How do you see the meetings, conferences and exhibition industry at the moment? The MICE industry has certainly been affected in the short term due to instability in South Africa with extended striking. The last quarter however is still showing similar trends and growth from last year. Peak periods are still being booked up well in advance.
What drew you to the MICE industry? The excitement of an ever-changing environment, small or large, and not forgetting the constantly changing requirements of both events and delegates, as one group departs and another arrives.
What has been the biggest change in the industry you’ve seen? Budgets are being used more smartly – there is definitely a focus on value-adds and service.
Why do you think the forum company’s venues are so popular? It is our passion and drive to consistently deliver world-class events with a South African feel. Our ability to stay on trend and ahead of the pack with our signature event offering also makes us stand out above the rest.
What have been the highlights in your career so far? There have been many – but a few stand out, namely the ability to cater perfectly for a small niche event and a large corporate on the same night, and being part of the team that created and executed the premiere of the documentary Miracle Rising and The Turbine Art Fair.
How would you describe yourself as a leader? You have to be prepared to put your nose to the grindstone. Don’t give up as you will find a solution.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be? Did I ask enough questions? I don’t pretend to know everything and learn something every day.
What super power would you like to possess? I’ve never thought about this – I am too practical and see mostly in black and white.
What three words describe you? Quick, impatient, honest.
What do you do in your spare time? Create in the kitchen, entertain and spend time with my family.
What are you scared of? Not being the best I can be, each day.
What makes you laugh? The silly things humans do – usually at the most inappropriate times.
What have you learnt the hard way? Recognise that every person plays a role in a company, from a senior manager to the cleaner, and you need to tell them often that you appreciate their work.
What quote best describes you? ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’ – Virginia Wolf
What are you addicted to? Cappuccino, and good ones at that.
What is the best and worst advice you have received? The best was from my father, ‘Take risks but count to five while you think about it first.’ This is the best way to learn, even if it’s a mishap. And the worst, ‘Never say no.’ Sometimes the exact opposite is the best advice.
What is your favourite holiday spot and why? Any place where I can walk and take time to soak up the environment.
What book do you wish you had written and why? The book still needs to be written – it would be about crazy hotel stories. After years in the industry, some of the guests that I’ve had to deal with and what they have gotten up to have been very entertaining. The few stories I have told at dinner parties have left people in stitches of laughter.
What is your best characteristic and biggest flaw? The following quote best sums it up: ‘Be prepared to fill where you are needed, but sometimes this gets you stuck in the details and missing overall picture.’
If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why? I would love to have been Charlie Trotter – a restaurateur with a fabulous business brain, great palette and a team motivator for those that worked with him.
About Kim Roberts While they are well known for their world-class venues, the forum company is also highly rated for their phenomenal food. Playing a leading role in this pivotal function within the forum company is operations director Kim Roberts. At the forum she relishes the challenge of managing large-scale events and projects that require intricate planning and implementation.
