The Insurance Institute of SA hosted its annual conference at Sun City again in 2005. This decision was taken after the success of the 2004 conference, which had attracted a large number of delegates, and this year’s attendance broke all records, with close on 500 delegates in attendance over the 3 days.

The event kicked off with the annual golf competition, held on the Gary Player Golf course. A full field of 144 players participated in the competition, for which the organiser had arranged prizes for every player. The corporate prize for the overall winners went to the team from PG Glass.

The conference attracts an increasing number of delegates from outside South Africa, and with more than 60 non-South African delegates present, a Foreign Delegates’ Reception was held for the first time, to give the foreign delegates the opportunity to meet the management of the IISA and its branches, as well as other foreign delegates. The general consensus was that this was a great idea, and new friendships were made. Immediately thereafter they joined the other delegates at the Welcoming Cocktail function and the opening of the exhibition, on the Sunday evening. This function was sponsored by SwissRe and was the opportunity for delegates to meet up with old friends, and make new acquaintances.

The exhibition at the conference has grown from 10 exhibitors 3 years ago, to 24 stands being sold for this year’s exhibition, managed by Complete Exhibitions. The standard of the exhibits was particularly high, and the competition was tough before CSC Computer Sciences was awarded the prize for the best exhibition stand.

Monday morning saw the start of the conference, with an interactive drumming session and demonstration by Drums & Rhythm. Each delegate collected a drum at the door, and were put through their paces by Eddie, the drum leader. An air of excitement existed in the room after the invigorating experience! The format of the conference has evolved over the past few years into sessions with presentations on interesting, some times contentious issues, followed by debate from the floor. In addition to the drums, all delegates were provided with a vuvuzela, to be used during the debate to voice their support or disapproval of a particular speaker and/or subject!

Monday evening saw the the Mexican Networking Theme Evening, sponsored by Tracker Network. Tracker provided sombreros for all guests, and most went to a lot of trouble to dress according to the theme. Maybe the prospect of winning a Tracker Retrieve for life helped with the motivation! Guests were met at the door with a choice of margarita, Tequila Sunrise or Tequila Shooter. Los Ninos, a real Mexican band, provided the music, which had everyone either on the dance floor or making snake trains around the restaurant. Promotional staff from Jose Cuervo went around to the tables serving Tequila shooters to guests. The party continued at Trader Horns and Silhouette until the wee hours of the morning. Needless to say, attendance of the conference on Tuesday morning was rather limited!

After a morning of conference sessions, the conference ended at lunch time on Tuesday and was followed by a social golf tournament, this time on the Lost City course, with 128 players participating. Those not playing golf, spent the afternoon preparing for the gala dinner and awards evening, being held that evening.

The gala dinner, sponsored by Mutual and Federal, was indeed a classy affair. Qualifiers in the IISA examinations were awarded their diplomas and certificates, and prize winners were also recognised. Entertainment was provided by Town Talk, an all girl jazz band, who played laidback music during the formalities, followed by DJ Duane, who ensured that the party continued well after midnight. The table décor was chic and simple, and fitted in well with the Afrochic theme requested by Mutual and Federal.

Throughout the conference, Ripcord Promotions was on site, managing the Secretariat and logistics of the event. With the assistance of Summit Pro Event Management Software, Ripcord produced name badges for all delegates, ensured accurate numbers for catering were provided, accurate rooming lists were provided to the hotels, and seats for the gala dinner were correctly allocated. Speaker requirements were managed, as well as the general running of the event.

If the feedback from delegates is anything to go by, this was judged a successful conference, and one which has set the standard for future events!