B&O Events Onke Zantsi ,Tourism lecturer Dr Hugh Bartis, B&O Events owner Buzz Nanto, MC and facilitator Lucia Mtshake Ntshona, Chair: SAACI EC Chapter Niel Mouton, Magnetic Storm CEO Glenn van Eck and CEO of SAACI, Glenton de Kock.
On Monday, as part of this partnership, students attended a workshop, held at the new Science Center, where the SAACI Eastern Cape Chapter conducted a simulation exercise, staging how to plan an event from receiving the proposal to the implementation phase.
“As an organisation we want to bring the industry to the students. We are here to give students greater insight into the industry and help them find their rhythm in a safe environment,” said Mandela alumnus and CEO of SAACI, Glenton de Kock.
Chair: SAACI EC Chapter Niel Mouton, conducted a simulation panel to guide students through the steps of organising an event.
MC and facilitator Lucia Mtshake Ntshona, B&O Events owner Buzz Nanto and Magnetic Storm CEO Glenn van Eck, all experienced industry partners, formed the panel who were able to offer advice and encouragement to the eager students in attendance.
Excellent communications, time management, passion, project management skills and a sense of responsibility were all key skills which the panelist highlighted for a successful event’s organiser to possess.
“In order to thrive in this career, you need to immerse yourself into what you do and live your career,” said De Kock.
Over 80 students attended the event, which was livestreamed for the benefit of those on George Campus, who were unable to attend in person.
After the panel discussion students were able to spend time networking with the guests.
The simulation workshop built from last year’s panel discussion and follow up workshops are being planned to create more interactive opportunities for students.
“The main objective of this partnership is to bring industry to campus, helping with interactions and networking, ensuring that our students become part of the human capital supply chain,” said Tourism lecturer Dr Hugh Bartis.
The Tourism Department and SAACI intends to formalise their partnership by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding, and will have annual engagement events to benefit the Tourism and Hospitality students.