8th International Aquarium Congress Week 2012
Tribal Meetings to co-ordinate 8th International Aquarium Congress
By Two Oceans Aquarium / 4 March 2010
Tribal Meetings has been appointed by the Two Oceans Aquarium as the official conference organiser for the 8th International Aquarium Congress (IAC) which will take place in Cape Town in September 2012. This decision was taken after intense scrutiny of the proposals received, and took into account a number of criteria such as BEE credentials, hands-on management and experience.
“The opportunity for aquariums around the globe to bid for an IAC comes around once in 12 years. Depending on where they are situated, in that year they will be bidding either against all aquariums in the Americas, or all aquariums in Asia and Australasia, or all aquariums in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The chances of winning a bid are therefore remote. This puts into context the enormity of bringing this event to Cape Town and to South Africa. Unlike other conferences, the IAC is unlikely to occur again in this region for many, many years – if ever! It is, therefore, a great honour and a great privilege for the Two Oceans Aquarium to be hosting the IAC in Cape Town in 2012.
We believe that Tribal Meetings is the best suited PCO to meet our needs in producing an outstanding Congress and associated travel programmes, and we look forward to working with Muhammed Khan and his team to ensure that the Congress is an experience never to be forgotten,” said Dr Patrick Garratt, Director of the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Khan proved to the Aquarium’s selection committee that his company’s extensive experience in conference organisation and co-ordination, infrastructural support and destination management would ensure a professional and highly successful 8th IAC. Further consideration was also given to the company’s commitment to social partnerships and its role in the upliftment of communities and the disadvantaged.
“I am always excited when South Africa, particularly Cape Town, wins the bid for a prestigious congress. We believe that the 8th International Aquarium Congress being hosted in Cape Town will bring a new element to this great event, not only by virtue of its location but also by the unique oceanic environments that the area has to offer. With this in mind, Tribal Meetings and its partners are committed to delivering the best congress ever!” said Khan.
The IAC takes place every four years and is a prestigious and vitally important event within the public aquarium industry worldwide. The Two Oceans Aquarium is proud to have won the bid to host this event. It will be the first time that the Congress is on the African continent and in the southern hemisphere. The Congress will take place from 9 to 14 September 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The 2008 Congress in Shanghai saw a record attendance of 700 delegates representing 290 institutions from 45 countries and regions. It is believed that the 2012 event will build on this record, with an anticipated attendance of between 500 and 800 delegates, 200 accompanying persons and 100 exhibitors. The delegates represent a variety of public aquariums and scientific organisations from across the world.
It is an honour for the Two Oceans Aquarium to have been given the opportunity to host the 8th IAC. The Congress will give Cape Town and the Western Cape a platform to showcase the amazing marine diversity of southern Africa to the world aquarium industry as well as to international scientific organisations.
For further Information please the IAC 2012 website
Economic Studies in South Africa
South Africa's Evolving Political Economy
The joint Georgia State University / Morehouse College program of Economic Studies in South Africa is designed to give students a broad understanding of the workings of the South African economy, its infrastructure, its environment and its governance. Through a series of lectures, in country discussions with industry and public officials, and site visits, co-ordinated by Tribal Meetings, program participants examine the process of economic and social development, as well as South Africa's role in the global marketplace. In addition, the program addresses South Africa's current socio-economic challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, crime and the AIDS epidemic.
One student, Jamilah Stephens (Economics Study Abroad program, 2005) writes:
"My favorite aspect of the journey was meeting the beautiful South African people as we traveled from Pretoria to Johannesburg and finally to the city of Cape Town. South Africans have skin in various hues and their lives are as varied as ours in the United States. From young African Ph.D. students studying at the University of Pretoria to older Indian women whose descent and lineage also lies within this great country, every person I spoke to was warm, respectful, and beamed of immense pride not only for their people but also their land. Everyone I met was accommodating of the visitors from the U.S. and had a generous spirit overall.
Today when I refer to this trip in casual conversation, people are amazed by the fact that I had an opportunity to travel throughout South Africa. I am often asked what the country is like and whether I enjoyed the trip. My answer is always in the affirmative and in addition to expressing my interest in returning to this part of the world I encourage others to do so too."
Morehouse College, Department of Economics further details this successful program. Tribal Meetings has successfully co-ordinated the program for the last FOUR years. The successful partnership between Morehouse College and Tribal Meetings has allowed students to experience South Africa as an incomparable classroom, and an unforgettable playground.
Please contact Tribal Meetings to learn how you to can embark on this unique journey.
South Africa - Study Program
Annually Tribal Meetings co-ordinates a 12-day trip with the School of Business-Camden (SBC) during spring break as part of a study program on doing business in South Africa. Students get the opportunity to visit businesses and government institutions to learn more about management and marketing practices in this region. The trip includes stays in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Namibia or Kruger National Park where students interact with small and medium-sized enterprises, global companies, and government bodies. Students also visit Robben Island, Soweto, the Cape of Good Hope, and Kruger National Park or Etosha National Park. In 2007, students studying Law, Photography and Literature also joined the program and each group enjoyed a program relevant to their choice of study.
One student, Natalie Cox (Secretary, MBA Association Rutgers SBC - MBA '06) comments:
"I've had the awesome opportunity to participate in the Business School's South Africa Course/Trip, and it has truly enhanced my appreciation of the freedoms that we enjoy and take for granted each day in the United States. South Africa has an incredible history that parallels America's history in some ways, and it is beautiful to see how everyone there has now come together for the growth and development of their country. The South Africa course offers a classroom without walls, and the lessons learned will impact the rest of your life. South Africa is definitely one of the world's best kept secrets, and the Business School at Rutgers Camden offers a glimpse into this world treasure."
The Rutgers-Camden School of Business further details this exciting program. Tribal Meetings has successfully co-ordinated this program for the last SEVEN years. The successful partnership between Rutgers-Camden School of Business and Tribal Meetings has allowed students to experience South Africa as an incomparable classroom, and an unforgettable playground.
Please contact Tribal Meetings to learn how you to can embark on this unique learning and leisure.
December 2009 Mega Events & Legacy Conference
Sport Mega-events and their Legacies Conference
2-4 December 2009
Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
In 2004 South Africa was awarded the rights to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the biggest single sport event in the world and the first ever to be hosted on African soil. South Africa has made substantial progress since its first democratic election in 1994, particularly within the global sport arena. The country is actively preparing to welcome the world and showcase its ability to host the prestigious sport event.
With this in mind, the organisers of the Sport Mega-events and their Legacies Conference, welcomed participants to this inaugural event, that took place between 2-4 December 2009 at the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. The major purpose of this conference was to create a platform for various stakeholders such as academics, sport event organisers, sponsors, media and host officials to discuss and debate issues concerning legacy impacts of sport mega-events. The main legacy themes that were focussed on are: economic, socio-cultural, infrastructural, environmental sustainability, media and communication, sport, tourism and safety and security. The hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa provided the ideal opportunity to host this conference where opportunities also arose to share experiences and expertise from both developed and developing countries.
The way forward would hopefully be one of great benefit to countries hosting Mega Events in their respective countries. South Africa must lead the way in show casing the legacies of the World Cup 2010.