CAPE TOWN – On 29 May 2025, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) Western Cape Chapter convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, bringing industry professionals together for a mix of strategic updates and an innovative, interactive experience.
“The AGM underscored the reality that, while compelling content remains necessary, in-person contact is what drives value in today’s business events sector, which has traditionally emphasised the programme as the primary drawcard for attendees,” explains SAACI CEO Glenton de Kock.
Drawing on HintHunt’s reputation as Africa’s most popular escape room company – known for facilitating corporate team-building exercises – the live experience consisted of a series of locked boxes, each requiring the resolution of coded clues to progress. Teams worked under a 60-minute time constraint to decipher puzzles, generate lock combinations, and ultimately “escape” by solving the mystery.
Reflecting on the activity, SAACI Vice Chairperson Gheeta Payle noted: “We were one of the fastest groups to finish the game, finishing within 40 minutes instead of an hour.”
She adds that it served as a practical example of the collaborative and engaging nature of the business events field – especially when put under pressure.
Enhancing Member Engagement and Support
The session wasn’t just about fun, it was a chance to pause amid the industry’s busy season, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and hear first-hand from SAACI on the work being done to support our members across the country.
The afternoon kicked off with an overview of the region’s milestones and achievements over the past year, and De Kock shared the association’s strategy for the year ahead, including initiatives like MeetIQ, Glue Up, and more regional events – to name a few.
“Connection is not a theme; it is a principle that drives our work,” he said. “As we continue to advocate, collaborate, and innovate on behalf of our members across Southern Africa, gatherings like this remind us why contact remains king. In-person engagement, shared momentum, and meaningful dialogue are what differentiate an effective event from a transactional meeting.”
De Kock’s remarks echoed SAACI’s broader mission to serve as the strategic link between public and private stakeholders, advocating for a sustainable and competitive business events industry. By reinforcing policies for professional development, government lobbying, and cross-sector partnerships, SAACI aims to ensure members have access to both local and global opportunities.
Addressing Southern Africa’s MICE Challenges
Notably, the AGM took place at a time when the Southern African MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector is experiencing both opportunities and challenges. Recent “Five for the Future” research from SAACI identified short lead times, shrinking budgets, and skill gaps as primary concerns, while also highlighting a growing emphasis on digital transformation and sustainable practices.
“By coming together, we can begin to address these trends,” De Kock explains. The SAACI National Annual Conference, taking place from 27 to 29 July at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town this year, will present another opportunity for members and partners to shape the future of the business events industry.