Global Excellence 2020

92 Acquisition International - Global Excellence 2020 Acquisition International - Issue 10 2020 11 Where the World Meets Africa The Durban International Conference Centre has played a pioneering role in attracting international events to Durban since it was opened by former president, Nelson Mandela in 1997. Hosting conventions, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events and, more recently, online and virtual events, Durban ICC is where the World meets Africa. pened in 1997 by former president, Nelson Mandela, the Durban International Convention Centre is a world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment centre, where the World meets Africa. South Africa’s first international convention centre, Durban ICC has since played host to some of the world’s most prestigious and complex events, from conferences to banquets to sporting events. Renowned for excellence in service and customer care, the world-class facility has played a crucial role in attracting international events to the shores of Durban since the centre’s inception over two decades ago. Despite twenty-three years of growth and development, the team at Durban ICC have always held the same fundamental values, acting with integrity, respect, passion and commitment, accountability, and as one team, united in diversity, with a single vision. It is the staff that have played the greatest role in the success of Durban ICC, constantly striving to make every event and experience that is hosted at the centre truly exceptional. The recruitment process is meticulous and ensures that the workforce is representative of the demographics of the Durban province. Customer service is the lifeblood of the organisation and the ICC’s reputation for warm, professional staff who deliver an authentic African experience extends all over the world. Boasting the most experience of any convention centre in South Africa as well as the largest flat-floor, column-free event space on the continent, Durban ICC is the first choice for large and small events in Africa. Focusing on attracting the National and International Association, Corporate and Government Markets, the team are well equipped with marketing techniques, taking pride in the long-standing relationships they have built with clients, which sees them returning year after year to Durban ICC. However, Durban remains largely unknown to many international markets and the ICC is working with the city, as well industry partners such as Tourism KZN, Durban Tourism and the King Shaka International Airport, to promote worldwide awareness of the city. This is being achieved principally through technology and Durban ICC has recently begun providing a live-streaming service for events, meaning O Aug20003 people who cannot physically be in Durban are still able to attend as well as increasing audiences and therefore brand awareness. As large events and conferences are now on hold, Durban ICC is now focusing on developing their high-tech Virtual Event solutions, investing heavily in online event technology. Having retrained event coordinators into online event producers, Durban ICC has also created a range of online event offerings from live-streaming events and hybrid events to fully remote presentation events where clients can run their entire events from the comfort and safety of their homes. While the future of the events and entertainment industry still remains uncertain, the team at Durban ICC remains positive, amazed at how the global industry has come together to work towards a full recovery. The pandemic itself has led to the organisation to review the way they do business, make valuable changes and ready themselves for a bright future of virtual and physical gatherings. We are excited to watch as Durban ICC continues on its exciting journey of growth and development. Contact: [email protected] Web Address: www.icc.co.za Durban ICC has also created a range of online event offerings from live-streaming events and hybrid events to fully remote presentation events where clients can run their entire events from the comfort and safety of their homes. 2020 Award for Excellence in Conference Hosting - South Africa