We deserve to pat ourselves on the back. The latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings have revealed that, once again, South Africa is the top African country for conferences and meetings. Globally, we have been placed 32nd in the world.
ICCA rankings are the most accurate and most reliable gauge in the world of how destinations perform in the MICE industry. The ICCA rankings are the yardstick by which international associations and corporates measure a destination’s hosting capability. They are a powerful endorsement of professionalism and excellent infrastructure.
According to Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism, this is brilliant news for South Africa.
“It is an empirical reflection of growing confidence in South Africa and a confident indication that we may expect our share of the global market to grow,” says Thulani.
I strongly believe that these results have been achieved thanks to each one of us involved in the MICE industry. We should be proud of each other and our achievements. I agree with Thulani when he states that our industry is filled with people who have “excellent intellectual capital, and strategically driven ambition”.
TOP 40 WOMEN IN MICE
A look at this year’s Top 40 Women in MICE list is evidence of this. A record-breaking amount of nominations were received and it was no easy task finding the final 40, because of the calibre of talent and dedication among our industry professionals. This year’s event for the Top 40 Women in MICE will see various awards handed out to recognise rising stars and lifetime achievers, as well as acknowledge event planners beyond Africa’s borders. The winners will be published in the next issue of Meetings.
We may have missed some phenomenal women and you may not agree with those on this list. If that is the case, let me know. This annual initiative and event is fast becoming a platform that connects leading women in the MICE industry to leverage their reach and resources, creating a global community of economically empowered women.
But let’s not forget the men. Meetings tips its hat to you as well. Congratulations to Pieter Swart, who won the PCO Award at the annual IMEX Frankfurt 2015 awards. Let me know about the men of MICE that are doing great things as we want to also honour them.
MICE IS MEMORABLE
I’ve been quizzed numerous times on why I keep using the acronym MICE when referring to the industry. I’ve been told it’s a 90s term – so passé and no longer relevant to our industry. It’s been suggested that I should be using ‘business events’ – it’s clean, clear, and marketable.
So why do I keep using MICE? Let me explain.
Truth be known, I am not a fan of the term business events. I don’t feel that it adequately describes our industry. It’s a term that works well for meeting planners and professional conference organisers, but not for destination management companies. MICE encompasses the four industry segments that it represents. The term has thrived because it’s easy to remember.
I particularly like how Padraic Gilligan, founder of SoolNua, a boutique event agency, defends the term: “The fact that the acronym also represents a real word adds to its memorability, as our minds conjure up all sorts of weird and wonderful images of tiny rodents queuing to register for conferences or engaging in team-building activities.”
Whatever you call the industry, one thing is for sure – we are doing great things. Pour some bubbly, raise your glass, and celebrate our success.
Until next time,
Martin
