Although “20/20” scientifically represents the ability to see perfectly, many of us wish our 2020 calendar year was near perfect on many levels.
Alas, this has been a challenging year for all of us, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to live daily in a crisis of unprecedented nature and effects, your Association, SAACI, remains grateful for the support, you our Members, Partners, and Industry Stakeholders have provided this calendar.
There is no doubt that this pandemic brought about irreversible changes in the ways that we think and work. We have all seeing the progress already made in digitalization, and in the introduction of new ways to remain connected. It has allowed us to keep some level of activity going within our industry. The speed at which we have witnessed the transformation our industry has experienced, has prepared many for the unexpected in the future.
The Board has also taken the decision not to Increase membership fees for the 2021/2022 Financial Year. Furthermore, we have also introduced a Discount on Membership Fees as follows:
- Membership Fees paid between January – 14 March 2021, 20% discount to be applied
- Membership Fees paid between 15 – 31 March 2021, 15% discount to be applied
Several Members would have received calls from their respective Branch Committee Members the past few weeks. Following on this, Alshanthé will be sending individualised communication to Members still wishing to retain their SAACI Membership along with outstanding Membership Fees invoices.
Membership Benefits per category have also been reviewed and the new Membership Prospectus for 2021 can be requested from Alshanthe.
The SAACI Team has undertaken the task of revamping the website to act as a resource tool for all our members. We request that members login into the Members Only Portal (https://www.saaci.org/members-login/ ) to update their details.
We have previously communicated that the website will have a new Resources Tab. Members are requested to send through all relevant information such as Business-to-Business Opportunities, Vacancies available and Industry specific Event Information to be loaded on the website.
Should you be experiencing any challenges with the updates or have relevant information that you wish to share, please feel free to email – members@saaci.org, or call Alshanthé on the details listed below, who will gladly assist. We would like to thank CrackerJack for all the assistance and support.
So, as we pause, reflect, remember, and consider where to next?
We need to acknowledge that this has been one of the most surreal years of our lives. Our thoughts go out to each person and family that lost loved ones, who faced retrenchment and lost life-sustaining income.
As many prepare for an uncertain 2021, remain mindful that SAACI, through your support will continue to drive the recovery of the Business Events Industry in Southern Africa, as your amazing support will stimulate our Business Events Industry eco-system that supports our country’s economic recovery.
To our SAACI Family and Friends, remain safe, remain mentally positive and remain resolute as we see the back of 2020.
Hoping to see you all in 2021.
The SAACI TEAM
The National Office will close from Friday, 18 December 2020 until Monday, 4 January 2021.
