The Planner

Jurni Masterclass: How to make your property Covid-safe
2021-03-29 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Online
If you run a guesthouse or small hotel in South Africa, this free masterclass is for you.
Jurni is offering its first masterclass on 29 March at 3pm.
The panelists will answer your questions around the new health and safety protocols and how to implement them. They will also share insights and practical tips on how to adopt the TBCSA protocols, overcome challenges related to them, and flag which protocols are likely to stay in place after the pandemic has passed.
The panelists are:

Sandile Ntseoane – GM SAVRALA and Chairperson Jurni Advisory Panel
Boitumelo Moleleki – TBCSA Client Relations Manager
Rosemary Anderson – National Chairperson of FEDHASA

Please send your questions to jurni@bigambitions.co.za.
Register

Webinar: Managing Africa's Reputation
2021-03-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
The labelling of new variants and how African countries are handling the pandemic have been the subject of much discussion locally and internationally in recent weeks. What impact does this have on the continent’s travel and tourism sector?
Join Africa Travel Week (ATW), for a webinar on ‘Managing Africa’s Reputation’, focused on this and the impact of the vaccine rollout in international media on the continent’s travel and tourism sector. During the panel discussion, industry experts will also get to grips with the so-called SA variant and ways destinations and tourism products can counter negative reporting to ensure Africa’s tourism recovery.
Register

AHIF Marketspace
2021-03-25 12:00 - 18:00 | Online
Preparations for the agenda for AHIF (Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) Marketspace is underway. The event will showcase why hospitality investors should look at investing in Morocco, key performance indicators for the region will be shared and the measures that have been put in place by governments to support and reboot the economy will be discussed.
Programme highlights include:

A conversation with HE Nadia Fettah Alaoui
Marketspace Presentations
Is the future bringing us new operating models?
Conversation with the investors

Register

Uphill Challenge 2021
2021-03-20 | Paarl, South Africa
On 20 March 2021, it will be just about one year since lockdown was announced.
Our mission with the Uphill Challenge is to create awareness and exhibit tour operators, wheel operators and event organisers who all promote our country and beautiful destinations, but due to a challenging year, had no income. We want to educate locals and change their mindset to rather use inbound operators to help them plan their holidays, this will create jobs/income during these tough times.
Participants will run/walk uphill for 8.5km to Paarl Rock (this is the official challenge part of the event) and then hike back down for 5km to the Taal Monument, where they will finish and receive a medal.
Participants who are slightly less fit and do not want to do the 5km hike downhill, can catch a lift back to the Taalmonument from Krismis Camp with one of our tour operators, but this will only happen after the last participant has arrived.
Register
This event is supported by the SA Events Council.

Spier Light Art 2021
2021-03-19 19:30 - 2021-04-18 22:00 | Spier Wine Estate
Get ready for the third edition of Spier Light Art, hosted at Spier Wine Farm from 19 March to 18 April 2021. This night-time adventure is suitable for the whole family to enjoy, as you wander around this historic Stellenbosch estate to admire interactive artworks that use light, sound and video – illuminating the present moment to help us imagine where we might be headed next!
Entrance to the event is free, and the lights are switched on at dusk.
The Sunday Times Neighbourhood supplement wrote this about Spier Light Art 2019: “What a spoil to walk around safely in near darkness… the beautiful surroundings merging with the night skies, and, interspersed with the pristine gardens, an array of light art surprises…”

WESGRO Business Week: Event Safety Workshop - Afternoon session
2021-03-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Spier Wine Estate
This hybrid event will be held at Spier Hotel and online, and forms part of the WESGRO Business Week.
The theme of the session is Customer Centric: Practical implementation & building trust
Safety is a process, and as such, needs to be managed, and being customer centric by having clarity on the health and safety requirements under the current regulations. By using the Events Re- Opening Guidelines that the Event Safety Council published in 2020, these will help to inform you on how to implement processes safely while COVID-19 is prevalent.
Join SAACI, PCO Alliance and the Event Safety Council in partnership with the SA Events Council to understand the needs, requirements, tips and best practices using the resources available to us to create and practically implement a viable health & safety program. The event is sponsored by Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau a division of Wesgro.
The event is aimed at senior management, supervisors, employees, event professionals, venues and industry stakeholders. Let’s empower ourselves, our staff, our teams.
For more information, and to view the programme, click here.
Register

WESGRO Business Week: Event Safety Workshop - Morning session
2021-03-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Spier Wine Estate

SA Tourism Speed Marketing Session: Mpumalanga Province
2021-03-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
South African Tourism through its business unit, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, continues to create a platform for new and existing tourism products to showcase themselves to local and international tour operators, with the aim of building a quality visitor experience through Virtual Speed Marketing sessions.
Speed Marketing is a market access platform created to provide tourism businesses an opportunity to interact and forge business relationships between products and buyers (Tour operators and DMCs who are already packaging and selling the destination or have interest in doing so).
In the sessions, representatives of the South African products, establishments or experiences are given the opportunity to market their products and experiences using a presentation. Speed marketing focuses on bringing the supply and demand of business to business and consumers and products together.
The first sessions for 2021 are taking place via Zoom.
If you would like the platform to showcase your tourism product, establishment or service, please contact Thabo Mpotu via email on thabomp@tourismgrading.co.za or mobile 0781691406 to book a slot.
Register

SA Tourism Speed Marketing Session: Free State Province
2021-03-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Online

Fab Bridal Expo 2021
2021-03-13 09:00 - 2021-03-14 16:30
FAB, the Cape’s longest standing, most renowned and glamorous bridal show, is happening for the 12th year, once again at the beautiful and upmarket Venue D’Aria, Durbanville in 2021.
FAB brings together service providers and products from across the Cape all under one roof and puts visitors in touch with the various experts they need in order to plan their wedding or host a successful event. Attending the expo ultimately saves money, time and possible frustration as visitors will be able to gather advice and inspiration to cover almost every aspect of their planning.
Where else can you pick a venue, book your honeymoon, meet a dress designer and discuss designs for your event stationery all in one location? Even those in need of a special garment or unique piece of jewellery will benefit. Highly experienced and creative experts in their different fields will be available over the two-day period to answer questions, assist with queries, or to be of general assistance to visitors.
Not only will visitors be able to see a wide selection of static displays of stunning gowns by most of Cape Town’s well known and up-and-coming designers, but FAB-goers will also get the opportunity to see and experience three daily fashion shows at 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00.
Entry costs just R100 per person, which includes:

viewing of the fashion shows;
live music, and entertainment;
exhibitor competitions and demonstrations;
restaurant area to buy good food, wine and coffee;
a chance to win-4-your wedding lucky draws after each fashion show;
and 100 exhibitors to view.

The show will run on from 9h00-16h30 on both Saturday & Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the expo or at Webtickets.
If you would like more information or if you’d like to exhibit, please contact: Desiree Kleynhans at Donato Events, on 084 596 1753 / 021 910 2779 or desiree@donatoevents.co.za.

2021 Women in MICE Awards launch
2021-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
After a challenging year that saw the postponement of the Women in MICE Awards in 2020, the organisers and hosts of the awards, Meetings magazine and 3S Media, invite you to the virtual launch of the 2021 instalment of this prestigious event.
During this hour, we will unveil the theme for the 2021 Women in MICE Awards and hear from some of the industry’s top female players on how they have navigated the challenges and obstacles of the past year, and what we can look forward to in the future.
Register
For further any queries, please contact Shanna Jacobsen on shanna.jacobsen@3smedia.co.za or +27 (0)70 884 6939.

6th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit
2021-03-08 - 2021-03-09 | Online
Since its inception in 2016, the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit has been a platform bringing together a unique collection of female leaders and trail-blazers from across Africa and the world.
Held a year after the first reported COVID-19 case in South Africa in March 2020, the 2021 summit will reflect on the most disruptive period in recent history through the collective anecdotes and shared experiences of contrarians and corporate powerhouses, also recording for posterity the measurable solutions that will reset Africa.
This year’s event is adapting to the ‘new normal’ by embracing the latest technology. So, in honour of International Women’s Day, the 2021 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, presented by Mastercard, will be held, for the first time, as a free-to-attend virtual event and across two days, 8 and 9 March, anticipated to draw an audience of more than 2 000 attendees from across the world.
This year’s theme, Africa Reloaded: The Power of The Collective, will, through hard-hitting talks, fireside chats and insightful panel sessions, look back on the year that changed everything, but look forward to a new path of recovery, growth and inclusivity on the continent, as a single market where Africa trades with Africa.
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Prime Circle: Music in Empty Spaces
2021-02-28 16:00 - 17:30 | TicketPro Dome, Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding,, Johannesburg, South Africa
Prime Circle is returning to the Ticketpro Dome, the arena they call home, for a 90-minute global streaming event called “Music in Empty Spaces” on 28 February at 16h00.
The award-winning band launched their career at this venue 18 years ago, when they opened for Live on their Birds of Prey Tour.
Cynthia Penprase, portfolio director of Ticketpro Dome says, “The beauty of the Ticketpro Dome is that we have always been able to adapt our vast and versatile infrastructure to suit all our client’s needs. For more than 23 years we have hosted some of the biggest international and local concerts, exhibitions, conferences and corporate events and this time, in our current climate we are doing it again, with Rock Royalty Prime Circle. We are thrilled to be hosting South Africa’s premier rock band at our venue and promise the fans an unrivalled streaming sensory experience, a huge production and all the hits you love.”
For more information, please go to: www.computicket.com

Sunday lunch buffet at Wild Coast Sun
2021-02-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-02-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-02-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-02-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Wild Coast Sun, Main Bizana Road,, Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Take the time to break bread with your loved ones and sit down to a traditional Sunday lunch at Chico’s Restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean, at the family-friendly Wild Coast Sun Resort.
The buffet lunch boasts an array of roasts, stews and curries, accompanied by fresh salads and seasonal vegetables, followed by desserts such as pecan pie, cheesecake and cakes.
Due to Covid-19 health and safety protocol, all visitors to the hotel must book in advance and undergo a screening at the resort entrance upon arrival.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact (039) 305 2759 / 4501 or wcs.events@suninternational.com

High tea and cake at the Wild Coast Sun
2021-02-27 13:00 - 17:30, 2021-02-20 13:00 - 17:30, 2021-02-13 13:00 - 17:30, 2021-02-06 13:00 - 17:30, 2021-01-30 13:00 - 17:30 | Wild Coast Sun, Main Bizana Road,, Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Treat yourself to High Tea at the Wild Coast Sun, served every Saturday between 13:00 and 15:00 or 15:30 and 17:30 in the tropical-themed Lagoon Bar.
A delectable buffet will feature a selection of pastries and cakes including caramel cake, cupcakes, chocolate eclairs, scones, and lemon crunch, as well as savoury treats like samosas, chicken roulade, a selection of wraps, smoked salmon balls, and, when in season, the ultimate High Tea item of strawberries and fresh cream.
Tea is served with a selection of Ceylon, Rooibos teas and other speciality teas or coffee.
The cost is R150 per person (adult/child).
Due to Covid-19 health and safety protocol, all visitors to the hotel must book in advance and undergo a screening at the resort entrance upon arrival.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact (039) 305 2759 or wcs.events@suninternational.com

NPOwer Connect webinar: Anxiety & Depression in the Events & Entertainment Industry
2021-02-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
SACIA, the South African Communications Industry Association, is hosting a webinar in partnership with SADAG, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, to explore the impact and effect of this pandemic on our mental wellbeing.
They will discuss:

Self-help tips to get through significant changes in our life (such as grief/ loss/ retrenchment);
The warning signs of depression and anxiety, and how individuals experiencing these can get help and support;
How the NPOwer helpline works, and we’ll identify other support services that are available to you.

The focus will be on “positive changes” to manage the impact of this pandemic on each person.
Speakers include Nickolas Chapman – MD of Showcom; Jodi Peddie – Chair of the Professional Speakers Association and MD of Resillient People; and Tracy Feinstein – Senior Counsellor at SADAG.
Register

SATIB Webinar: Don't let Decision Fatigue put your business at greater risk!
2021-02-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
The weight of Covid-19 on our lives and businesses has us constantly assessing the risk and benefit of daily choices – to the point of paralysis. How can you prevent decision fatigue? What tools can you use to manage decision fatigue when you feel unable to make a clear decision?
This and more will be unpacked in this SATIB-sponsored webinar, with the following speakers:

US strategist and decision fatigue expert, Jodi Hume;
General Manager at SATIB Insurance Brokers, Natasha Parry;
Andrew Booth, Owner of KZN Trail Running.

Register

Skift's Online Travel and Distribution Summit
2021-02-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Online
The highly-competitive online travel market and its brands have been one of the most disruptive forces in travel, sparking digital transformation, spurring consumer demand, and impacting all sectors of the industry.
With all eyes on Airbnb as a newly-minted public company, metasearch companies acting like online travel agencies, airlines launching lifestyle booking platforms, and online travel agencies resetting strategies to emerge even stronger post-crisis, the coming year will see no shortage of headlines and shifts in online travel.
This summit is not-to-be-missed for professionals across the industry as Skift editors and research analysts dive into the most consequential companies, leaders, and game-changers across the online travel landscape as leaders from across online travel, distribution, and digital booking reveal how they are Creating Travel’s New Economy in 2021 and beyond by answering the big questions facing this sector:

How will online travel agencies bounce back?
Who will likely IPO or be acquired in 2021?
What is the role of metasearch and does it still have the clout it once did?
Who are the upstarts that might dethrone the giants?
How can we learn from China’s growth and innovations in distribution?
What’s the outlook and strategy now for big GDS companies?
What are the marketing challenges facing online travel agencies and metasearch engines coming out of the pandemic?
Has the pandemic led to a deeper de-commoditization of supply?
What do hotels want from distribution now and what’s the right mix?
Has airline distribution entered a new era?
Does the pandemic bring us back towards distribution, or have suppliers mastered direct?

Register

The Future of the Event Industry: 2021 Outlook
2021-02-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Online
One year into the pandemic, the future of the event industry in 2021 is still uncertain. Join in to hear insights and predictions from the top industry leaders in sectors from tech and trade shows to security and sustainability.
What to expect:

Sector Breakdown: A vertical analysis of how specific sectors will bounce back.
Virtual Events: The most advanced insights on virtual events.
In-Person Comeback: Actionable takeaways for better, more secure events.
Forecasting: Industry leaders weigh in on what to expect for 2021 and beyond.

TalkFEST: Think Like a Startup
2021-02-16 - 2021-02-17 | Online
Join your peers in an experience that will ignite your startup mentality; fueling your ability to innovate and adapt to an ever-changing market.
MPI’s TalkFEST is a FREE digital event that kicks-off with an inspirational keynote “Innovate or Die Trying” with Bombshell founder, Pablos Holman. Energized with your learnings, you’ll join your “braindates” on the Braindate platform, an incredible new way to share, think and learn from your peers.
You’ll walk away with new and valuable connections, inspired by your conversations, and ready to get things started!
Come see what everyone’s talking about!
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Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day lunch at The Maslow
2021-02-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Lacuna Bistro, The Maslow, Corner Grayston Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
The pandemic has taught us the value of relationships, and February 14 is the day to show your loved one just how much you appreciate them.
The Maslow Hotel’s Lacuna Bistro in Sandton, with its tranquil garden setting, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delicious four-course lunch, with a choice for each.
Starters: Crab, an oyster cocktail and smoked fish OR a creamy leek and mushroom min vol au vent platter, followed by basil and tomato soup
Mains: 21-Day aged fillet mignon, with croquettes potatoes with asparagus and café de Paris butter, roast duck breast with compote of kumquats cinnamon, a prawn masala with south Indian lemon rice OR handmade ravioli filled with butternut and spinach.
Desserts: Sinful molten chocolate and pecan pudding with passion sorbet, a raspberry crème brulee OR Executive Chef, Omar Menhouk’s selection of artisanal cheeses with kale crackers, preserves and figs
To finish: Freshly brewed coffee or tea, served with chocolate heart petit fours
The meal includes a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly on arrival.
The cost is R990 per couple. For bookings and enquiries, please contact 010 226-4815 or lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com.
All Covid-19 health and safety protocols are followed and visitors to the hotel will undergo a screening upon arrival.

Valentine’s at Spier: Romantic wineland adventures await!
2021-02-12 - 2021-02-14 | Spier Wine Estate
Take your pick of one of the many wonderful ways to celebrate love and spoil your loved one at Spier this Valentine’s Day. All options can be booked on www.spier.co.za. Extensive COVID-19 prevention measures will be in place.
A romantic picnic
Cosy up underneath the ancient oaks of the Spier Werf and feast from a picnic basket crammed with locally sourced deliciousness. The basket includes gourmet salads, a charcuterie and cheese selection, a baguette with various dips, and a half lemon & herb rotisserie chicken. Finish off on a sweet note with a decadent triple Chocolate Mousse.
Tuck into tapas with tunes
Enjoy romantic sundowners and exquisitely flavour-packed tapas on Spier’s River Deck on Saturday, 13 February. Soak up the views of Eerste River and the sounds of Supernova. On the menu is a refreshing mocktail to start off with, followed by a bottle of Dealcoholised Brut served with a feast of savoury and sweet tapas.
Seats are limited to 20 couples to ensure social distancing so book soon to secure your spot!
A three-course feast under the stars
Treat your loved one to a decadent three-course feast at Spier Hotel Restaurant this Valentine’s weekend. Dinner begins with canapés and a complimentary refreshing mocktail. Then, it’s time to tuck in to a goat’s cheese panna cotta starter, followed by a choice between beef short rib, trout or mushroom pasta for mains. End off your evening with dark chocolate crème, cassata kisses or poached strawberries with chocolate custard.
Get pampered at the Spier Spa
Unwind and destress with your other half at Spier. The Spa’s Valentine’s Special includes a scalp, neck and shoulder massage, a hand and arm treatment, and foot scrub and reflexology treatment. This special includes a complimentary mocktail and delicious lunch, along with a romantic spa bath pack to take home, all for just R720 per person!
Spoil them with Spier’s brand new pink MCC
Spier’s brand new Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classique is launching on Valentine’s weekend! Exclusively available from the Spier online shop and at the farm’s Tasting Room (subject to the lifting of government restrictions), this gorgeous pink-coloured MCC is guaranteed to add a dash of romantic flair no matter the occasion. Deliciously dry and elegantly crisp, the bubbly has strawberry aromas, apples on the palate, a balanced mouthfeel and mouth-watering minerality.
Make a weekend of it!
Whether you’re based far afield or simply feel like indulging in a staycation, let the village-style Spier Hotel be your romantic home from home this Valentine’s weekend at 40% off! Not sure what to do with the kids? Send them to the Kids Clubhouse and enjoy some uninterrupted quality time. Exclusively available from Friday 12 February through Sunday 14 February, this incredible rate also includes a delicious breakfast. Book now on www.spier.co.za using promo code VALENTINE.
