Ripcord Promotions was the professional conference organiser for the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) Conference 2018. This year the IUMI Conference took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town. Each year the Conference moves to a different location and a new conference organiser is selected to run an impeccable event. Last year Tokyo was the host city, and next year it will be Toronto. Over 550 delegates attended the event from 35 different countries, and there were in excess of 50 speakers presenting. Logistically, that means as professional conference organisers (PCOs), we really have to dot our ‘i’’s and cross our ‘t’s’. Each PCO must start afresh to deliver to, and exceed, the expectations of everyone involved. At Ripcord Promotions we also wanted to put a uniquely South African stamp on this year’s event, choosing unique venues and sourcing local suppliers doing good in their communities.

In this blog post, we’re telling you more about how we got that right, starting with the venues and entertainment.

Cape Town boasts a wealth of impressive venues. The Conference Welcome Reception took place at the Grand Africa Café and Beach, a free-spirited venue nestled perfectly on the seafront, flaunting majestic views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean and of Robben Island. The Gala Dinner was spectacularly housed in a glass marquee at The Castle of Good Hope. Opened in 1679, the castle is South Africa’s oldest surviving building. Freshlyground, one of the most acclaimed and successful bands to emerge from South Africa in recent years, treated guests to a live performance. Their style of music blends infectious kwela with traditions from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as well as elements of pop, jazz, blues and indie rock. Freshlyground have toured the world and have recorded seven albums. Their collaboration with pop superstar Shakira was chosen as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Don’t take our word for it, listen in to their YouTube Channel here. Technical support and AV for the conference was excellently delivered by Gearhouse, who describe themselves as having started out with little equipment but a lot of imagination. They now boast more state of the art equipment and equipment-hire experience than any other technical supplier in South Africa.

Our conference bags were supplied by Eco Smart. Eco Smart creates gorgeous gifts from eco-friendly, recycled and recyclable materials. In so doing, they provide a revenue stream for individuals and communities. Their Shwe range is printed by hand in women-owned micro businesses. VK Innovations made the beautiful bead lanyards and gifts for sponsors. All profits from beads sales go to South African women beaders and to projects and programs in the communities where beaders are located, helping them to overcome poverty. VK Innovations describe what they do as a ‘handup’ not a ‘handout’. In-depth business and leadership training is provided to enable beaders to build sustainable businesses to support themselves and their families.

It is possible to source and supply ‘local’ for corporate and business events. Just imagine the cumulative positive impact we could have if more big businesses supported small suppliers doing great work? We have embedded hyperlinks into this blog so that you can follow up on the suppliers we used. Do your research and start making better choices. Start today.

If you would like assistance with your next corporate event or conference, give us a call. We have almost 30 years of experience behind us, and are strongly committed to doing well and to doing good.

Call us on +27 11 482 2835

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