18 and 19 July 2024
MEET STELLENBOSCH 2024 - SHAPING THE FUTURE: TRENDS AND INSIGHTS FOR TOMORROW
Welcome to Stellenbosch
Welcome to the warm-hearted town of Stellenbosch, the answer to your business travel needs. Located just 40km from Cape Town International Airport in the postcard-perfect Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch offers not only a magnificent backdrop for your business travel but world-class facilities and a diversity of experiences to enjoy.
THEME: SHAPING THE FUTURE: TRENDS AND INSIGHTS FOR TOMORROW
About Us
Meet Stellenbosch is a collaborative initiative by Visit Stellenbosch, the Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO), the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau (a division of WESGRO), and Stellenbosch Network, aimed at spotlighting Stellenbosch as a premier Business Events Destination.
Under the overarching theme, “Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights for Tomorrow,” Meet Stellenbosch 2024 will delve into the various factors and dynamics shaping the landscape of business events across domains such as technology and innovation, the knowledge economy, regenerative practices, and more.
The theme underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging trends and gaining insights into their potential consequences and opportunities. It advocates for proactive thinking and actions to craft a desired future rather than passively accepting the status quo.
Join us for a transformative experience featuring industry leaders, groundbreaking insights, and networking opportunities that will influence the future of business events.
Event Information
Join us for an exciting two day programme where you will experience some of what Stellenbosch has to offer for our business events tourists.
DAY ONE: Speakers Programme
Date: Thursday, 18 July 2024
Time: 09H00 – 17H00
DAY TWO: Excursion Programme
Date: Friday, 19 July 2024
Time: 09:00 – 15H00
Day 2: 19 July 2024
Join us for an exciting day where you will see, sip, taste and savour some of what Stellenbosch has to offer our business tourists
Itinerary 1:
07h30 – 09h00 Stellenbosch University site visit | Meeting point: Neelsie Cinema
09h00 – 10h00 Stellenbosch on Foot – Walking Tour | Neelsie Cinema
10h00 Collection from 47 Church Street and transport to Erinvale Hotel & Spa
10h30 Arrive at Erinvale Hotel & Spa
Site visit (Venues and accommodation) and hospitality treat
11h45 Collection and transport to Cavalli Wine Estate
12h00 Arrive at Cavalli Wine Estate
Site visit (Venues) and hospitality treat
13h00 Collection and transport to Lanzerac Wine Estate
13h15 Arrive at Lanzerac Wine Estate
Site visit (Venues and accommodation) with a buffet lunch
15h30 Collection from Lanzerac and return to 47 Church Street
(Stellenbosch Information Office)
Itinerary 2:
07h30 – 09h00 Stellenbosch University site visit | Meeting point: Neelsie Cinema
09h00 – 10h00 Stellenbosch on Foot – Walking Tour | Neelsie Cinema
10h00 Collection from 47 Church Street and transport to L’Avenir Wine Estate
10h20 Arrive at L’avenir Wine Estate
Site visit (Venues and accommodation) and hospitality treat
11h20 Collection and transport to Hazendal Wine Estate
12h00 Arrive at Hazendal Wine Estate
Site visit (Venues and accommodation) followed by a light lunch
14h00 Collection and transport to Weltevreden Estate
14h30 Arrive at Weltevreden Wine Estate
Site visit (Venues and accommodation) and hospitality treat
15h30 Collection from Cavalli and return to 47 Church Street (Stellenbosch Information Office)
Speakers
Natalia Rosa
Chief Executive Officer: Big Ambitions
Master of Ceremonies and Speaker: Artifical Intelligence: Thriving in an Era of Emerging
Technologies and Constant Change
Natalia Rosa is the CEO of Big Ambitions, a specialist travel and tourism
communications and marketing organisation in tourism and travel. Exceptionally well-
connected within the tourism and travel sectors in South Africa, Natalia is a
communications, marketing and PR expert in the industry.
Professor Stan du Plessis
Chief Operating Officer of Stellenbosch University
Topic: Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Stan du Plessis is a macroeconomist at Stellenbosch University where he is Chief Operating Officer and formerly Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. He is also a Professor in the Department of Economics where he is specialist in macroeconomics and monetary policy.
He has advised the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury on macroeconomic policy. He studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Stellenbosch as well as the Wharton Business School and is a former President of the Economic Society of South Africa.
Doris Viljoen
Director of Institute for Futures Research
Topic: Shaping the Future – Trends and Forecast | Eyes Up! Trends that deserve your attention
Doris Viljoen is the director of Institute for Futures Research (IFR) at Stellenbosch Business School, where she endeavours to interpret global as well as local trends and assess their relevance for South Africa and Africa.
She has specialised skills in environmental scanning, the application of foresight methodology, scenario planning as well as strategy development.
She has a wide range of research interests and is passionate about asking the right questions, searching for and finding relevant data as well as designing tools and techniques to facilitate thinking about plausible futures. She also lectures on Stellenbosch Business School’s Postgraduate Diploma and M Phil in Futures Studies
Gary van der Watt
Lead: Sustainable – Xanita Expo
Topic for Panel discussion: Topic for Panel Discussion: Green Events | How do you Drive the Long-Term Impact of International Conferences/Events in a Destination? The Route to Decarbonising Your Events
In 2011 , with 21 hands-on-years in the interior design/ events industry Gary realised the huge negative impact our industry has on the earth.
In a ”build and burn” industry , not only waste – but toxic materials and processes are the ball and chain that are dragging us into global crisis.
Gary is involved in sustainable events, exhibition, retail solutions that are not only ecologically sound but also impact positively on the socio – economic sustainability of our society.
Creativity and ideas are converted into reality. Design actioned into reality and delivered sustainably. ‘’That is my goal, my drive and ambition.’’
In 2023 he took up a role at Xanita, The aim: empower global companies & institutions in designing and creating eco-amazing structures, events, campaigns, retail environments – by engaging with eco-active designers, architects, exhibition builders & brand activists that influence design positively.
‘’Think, plan, design and always ask questions’’
John Arvanitakis
Founder & CEO, Chat’r Xperience (PTY) LTD
Chairperson of the Event Greening Forum of South Africa
Topic for Panel Discussion: Regenerative Tourism | Sustainability is Key for the Next Generation of Events
John Arvanitakis, a dynamic leader in the events and exhibitions industry, is celebrated for his commitment to sustainability and wildlife conservation. As the Chairperson of the Event Greening Forum of South Africa, John drives initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices within the events sector. His role as a signatory to the UN NetZero Carbon Events Initiative underscores his dedication to reducing the environmental impact of events on a global scale.
With over 30 years of experience, John is an accomplished project manager, 3D architect, and designer. His expertise spans high-profile projects across South Africa and internationally, earning him numerous industry accolades, including several Loerie Awards.
John’s passion for wildlife conservation, particularly rhino conservation, highlights his broader commitment to environmental stewardship. His advocacy work and professional endeavors make him a respected voice in both the events industry and the conservation community
Nicolette Booyens
Socio-economic development specialist, Visit Stellenbosch
Topic for Panel Discussion: Regenerative Tourism | Sustainability is Key for the Next Generation of Events
Nicolette is a socio-economic development specialist who seeks and shares new solutions to social problems. With a focus on sustainable and circular development, she promotes economically empowered, socially advanced, and environmentally conscious living.
She founded the Cause Development Agency in 2008 to provide insight, training, and project implementation services to changemakers and non-profit professionals. Nicolette is committed to shaping and enriching our shared social future through innovative projects and education.
She joined Visit Stellenbosch in 2020 as a specialist consultant. She serves on the Visit Stellenbosch Board of Directors and chairs their Socio-Economic Development board subcommittee.
Over the past 4 years, she has spearheaded the development of several tourism-based development projects and social enterprises in Stellenbosch. She is part of a team currently developing a Regenerative Tourism strategy for Stellenbosch and is doing educational research on youth employment in the tourism sector.
Ramese Mathews
Infrastructure Specialist, CapeNature
Topic for Panel Discussion: Regenerative Tourism | Sustainability is Key for the Next Generation of Events
Ramese Mathews has served as the Infrastructure Specialist at CapeNature for the past 16 years as part of the Tourism Development team. His work includes managing the design and construction of leisure tourism facilities within nature reserves across the Western Cape. Greening; Sustainability and community access are always top of mind in his function along with predicting and mitigating the human impacts that can occur when visiting a protected area.
David King
Project Manager for Air Access at WESGRO
Topic for Panel Discussion: New developments: Air Access News | Cape Winelands Airport update
David King completed his studies in 2001 at Stellenbosch University with a BComm (Hons) Transport and Logistics Management and an M (Town and Regional Planning) after which he worked in London, UK for a year as a transport and town planner. After returning to South Africa, he worked for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria for eight years as a transport and logistics researcher.
During 2011-2016 David was employed as a project manager and transport specialist for a consultancy company in Stellenbosch (GAIN Group) which mainly focussed on long term demand planning for freight and goods movements in South Africa.
Since October 2016 David is a project manager at WESGRO (The Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape) for the Cape Town Air Access project. The main goal of the project being to intensify and broaden Western Cape air access to targeted African and international markets to improve Western Cape economic competitiveness. The project provides air route development assistance and support to airlines through tailored partnerships, delivering marketing and communications support and managing the aviation data sources to provide up to date analyses and statistics for distribution to partners.
Deon Cloete
Managing Director for Cape Winelands airport
Topic for Panel Discussion: New developments: Air Access News | Cape Winelands Airport update
Experienced Airport Executive and General Manager with 39 years demonstrated history of working in the aviation and commercial airports industry, 20 years of which at Executive level and Head of an international airport. Qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership (MBL).
Sept 2022 – Present: Managing Director Cape Winelands Airport
June 2021 – Sept 2022: Director Cape Winelands Airport
Sept 2008 – Jan 2021: General Manager Cape Town International Airport
Jan 2001 – Aug 2008: General Manager Durban International Airport & Regional Airports
Previously successfully initiated, led, and executed the new Airport development in KZN, King Shaka International Airport, inclusive of EIA approval, procurement and construction, R7 billion development. Likewise, the expansion and upgrade of Cape Town International Airport, R3 billion.
Since June of 2021 been actively working on the further expansion and developmentof the Cape Winelands Airport, as part of a broader ambition to develop a network of smaller regional, privately owned, airports as part of the rsa.AERO Group. Since establishment the group network has grown to 3 airports, that being Cape Winelands Airport, Plettenberg Bay Airport and Gariep Dam Airport.
Experienced and skilled in both Senior/Executive Management and Non-Executive roles i.e., Board Director/Chairperson roles. Experienced in overseeing strategy formulation, governance oversight and Executive Management (CEO) recruitment and performance management.
Previously served as Chairperson of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Board member of National Sea Rescue Institute. (NSRI) and Wesgro, currently Chairperson of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Jeanneret Momberg
CEO of Visit Stellenbosch
Topic for Panel Discussion: New developments: Air Access News | Cape Winelands Airport update and Regenerative Tourism | Sustainability is Key for the Next Generation of Events
With 31 years’ experience within Stellenbosch’s wine and tourism sector, Jeanneret Momberg has a proven track record of decisive leadership, innovative thinking, and the ability to build mutually rewarding relationships.
Her skill in working efficiently and calmly in a demanding environment, combined with her problem-solving ability, has resulted in Jeanneret spearheading a successful business operation and forging successful, rewarding partnerships over the years. Her business philosophy is built on a people first approach, which rings true in the manner in which she fulfils her role as CEO of Visit Stellenbosch.
She has served on the board of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Stellenbosch 360 and Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association and for many years ran the sales and marketing for Middelvlei Wine Estate. She holds a Hons degree in Industrial Psychology and is a devoted wine, food and travel aficionado.
Julie Cheetham
Founding Member and Managing Director at Weeva Executive Sustainability | Nianova, Oppenheimer Generations
Topic for Panel Discussion: Green Events | How do you Drive the Long-Term Impact of International Conferences/Events in a Destination? The Route to Decarbonising Your Events
Julie is a skilled sustainability consultant with experience spanning over 20 years. Her focus lies in sustainable development and business transformation.
Having worked for a range of clients across the hospitality and corporate sectors, in 2021 Julie drew from her diverse insights and was part of the initial group of thought leaders to found Weeva – a SaaS platform that will enable the travel industry to adopt ameasurable and holistic sustainability practice
John de Wet
Stellenbosch University, Environmental Sustainability Manager
Topic for Panel Discussion: Green Events | How do you Drive the Long-Term Impact of International Conferences/Events in a Destination? The Route to Decarbonising Your Events
John de Wet leads SU’s environmental sustainability operations on four of the ampuses. He oversees the implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Plan with all its elements and targets. This includes the drive to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.
Before joining SU in April 2010, de Wet served as Export and Logistics Manager at EC Biomass manufacturing and exporting sustainable fuel pellets to Europe.
De Wet holds a Forest Engineering degree from Stellenbosch University and a diploma from Oregon University.
Gary van der Watt
Lead: Sustainable – Xanita Expo
Topic for Panel discussion: Topic for Panel Discussion: Green Events | How do you Drive the Long-Term Impact of International Conferences/Events in a Destination? The Route to Decarbonising Your Events
In 2011 , with 21 hands-on-years in the interior design/ events industry Gary realised the huge negative impact our industry has on the earth.
In a ”build and burn” industry , not only waste – but toxic materials and processes are the ball and chain that are dragging us into global crisis.
Gary is involved in sustainable events, exhibition, retail solutions that are not only ecologically sound but also impact positively on the socio – economic sustainability of our society.
Creativity and ideas are converted into reality. Design actioned into reality and delivered sustainably. ‘’That is my goal, my drive and ambition.’’
In 2023 he took up a role at Xanita, The aim: empower global companies & institutions in designing and creating eco-amazing structures, events, campaigns, retail environments – by engaging with eco-active designers, architects, exhibition builders & brand activists that influence design positively.
‘’Think, plan, design and always ask questions’’
Lee-Anne Singer
Chairperson, FEDHASA Cape
Topic for panel discussion: How Do We Shape the Future? | Access to Markets in the MICE Industry with a focus on Youth
Lee-Anne Singer is the Marketing and Sales Director at the Singer Group. The Singer Group is a well-known travel and hospitality company with a track record of almost 60 years. She has over 29 years of experience in the tourism industry, and her role focuses on business development for the Group, identifying new business opportunities and partnerships.
She is a huge believer in paying it forward and being of service. She currently serves as Chairperson of FEDHASA Cape. FEDHASA is the official representative body of the South African hospitality industry, as recognized by the government. Along with the board and our executive team, they strive to be the representative voice for the hospitality industry via coaching, collaboration, and commercialization projects.
She is also honoured to be part of the Cape Town Tourism board on the tourism committee. Cape Town Tourism is the official marketing body for the City of Cape Town and has won countless international awards for their innovative and groundbreaking marketing campaigns. She also serves as Tourism Sector Portfolio Committee Chair for the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and her role includes shaping the direction and policies of the Chamber related to the tourism industry in the Western Cape.
As a tourism leader, she is often invited to speak at conferences, contribute on panels and host workshops. Topics range from tourism and hospitality marketing, tourism technology, business development, tourism leadership, skills development and gender empowerment.
One of her favourite boards to serve on is that of Glendale Home, a home for intellectually disabled adults, where her portfolio includes communications and fundraising. She firmly believes that the future growth of the South-African economy lies in a burgeoning tourism industry, which will result in job creation and poverty eradication. To support this vision, she hosts tourism workshops as part of an entrepreneurship program at HOPE Cape Town. HOPE Cape Town strives to improve the quality of life of youth affected by HIV, social challenges and related conditions and assists them to reach their full potential.
Prior to joining the Singer Group, she worked in various roles within the media industry, including CNBC Africa, The Property Magazine and Top Women in Business and Government.
Zimkitha Bavuma
SAACI Board Member and Youth Ambassador
Topic for panel discussion: How Do We Shape the Future? | Access to Markets in the MICE Industry with a focus on Youth
Zimkitha Bavuma is an accomplished academic and events professional. She holds qualifications in Tourism and Events Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Transitioning from the events industry to academia, she now lectures in Events Management and Tourism at her alma mater.
Her research focuses on Events Management, Sustainability, Business Event Tourism, and Destination Marketing. Zimkitha is actively involved in Postgraduate supervision and scholarly research, with published works in accredited international academic journals and conference proceedings. She also contributes to the South African Association for the Conferencing Industry (SAACI) as a National Board member and Youth Ambassador. Zimkitha’s contributions have been recognized with awards such as the SAACI Youth Award and the Panache Woman of Wonder Award. Passionate about education, youth development, and women’s empowerment, she advocates for perseverance and hard work in creating opportunities for success.
Lesego Majatladi
Lesego has extensive project management experience in the Media, Marketing and Entertainment industries which he was able to use in his pivot in the Hospitality industry, initially at African Hotels and Adventures and most recently as Managing Director of Latitude Aparthotels.
Lesego is an Executive Member of the Black Cellar Club (BLACC) an organisation dedicated to assisting previously economically disadvantaged, in southern Africa and further afield who are interested in furthering their wine knowledge to benefit their respective careers.
He also sits on the FEDHASA Cape board and is Vice-Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Portfolio Committee at the Cape Chamber of Commerce. At FEDHASA Cape he heads up the organisation’s skills development initiatives
Arista Brooks
Group HR Manager: Century City Conference Centre
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Arista began her career as an HR Manager for Marriott Hotels in 2013. This foundational role allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the industry’s unique demands and cultivate a strong commitment to employee development.
Building on this experience, she advanced to a position with another global brand, Hyatt, where she served as a Cluster HR Manager. In this capacity, she oversaw HR operations across multiple locations, further honing her skills in strategic HR management and talent development. Currently she heads up the HR department at Century City Conference Centre and Hotels.
Arista’s professional journey has been driven by a passion for youth and skills development. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation by enhancing their skillsets and ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the industry. She is actively involved in initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap and fostering an environment where young people can achieve their full potential. Through these efforts, she strives to contribute to a more dynamic and skilled workforce, equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the hospitality sector.
Presented By
Supporting Partners
