LOST IN TRANSLATION

What does translation and interpretation involve and what are some of the challenges facing language professionals in South African eventing? Natasha Skoryk reports.

Recently, the BRICS Summit in Sandton, and its adjacent events around South Africa, were hosted to great aplomb. Event organisers and their teams had to consider how to accommodate such large-scale international delegations, and, for the most part, did an admirable job of this. As South Africa grows as an eventing destination, interpreters and translators will most likely continue to become more in-demand – particularly for languages spoken by the rest of the BRICS alliance. We spoke to two language professionals: Mike Lin, of Chinese Conference Interpreters, and Tatiana
Kaliazina, a Russian-English interpreter and translator based in Cape Town, to find out more about their industry.

Firstly, what is the difference between translation and interpretation? “Generally translation refers to ‘written’ while
interpretation is ‘verbal’. Some people see these two terms as interchangeable, thus they will call an interpreter ‘a translator’ and vice versa,” Lin says. But the field can be broken up even further. “Interpretation can be consecutive (verbal, no equipment used) or simultaneous (conference equipment used like booths, mikes, headphones, etc.),” says Kaliazina.

Click here to continue reading in Event Issue 10.

HOW TECH IS DISRUPTING THE MICE SECTOR

A multi-billion dollar industry the world over, the meetings industry is facing mounting pressure to embrace digital transformation.

Hoteliers, event planners and meetings destinations are being pressured to embrace technology in order to market themselves more effectively. There is more competition from new destinations and a string hotel developments worldwide. And, with real estate and labour costs rising in urban markets, it’s more expensive to maintain and expand  regional sales offices. Planners also face rising expenses despite their budgets remaining flat. As a result, they source hotels on cloud-based platforms to save time.

According to a recent report by Skift and Cvent, moving to digital sourcing platforms offers both buyers and suppliers a wealth of benefits. “Online hotel marketing tools foster a more direct relationship with the customer because buyers and suppliers can conduct business independent of third parties. When hoteliers truly own the relationship with group planners, they get to know their customers much better, and can more effectively personalise the sales experience.” Digital platforms also assist in acquiring more sales leads and ensure hotels and management companies are run more efficiently. The industry needs to move beyond email, spreadsheets and phone calls to do business in this bright, new digital world.

Click here to continue reading in Event Issue 10.

THE RISE OF THE MIDSIZE CITY

The future of meetings and events is going to be driven by midsize cities, and we’re already seeing this happening in South Africa.

According to a recent report by Skift and IMEX Group, there are two primary factors driving a shift in cities hosting meetings. Firstly, many global cities are becoming too expensive for decision-makers, and secondly, cities in smaller markets have invested heavily in developing their infrastructure and industry networks in order to compete with larger cities. Price will be a major disruptor in the industry in the next decade, and this is already evident in costs for amenities like accommodations.

According to American Express (AMEX) Meetings and Events, hotel rates are expected to increase 2.8% on average globally in 2018. The highest increases are predicted in Central and South America (2.6%) and North America (3.5%), with smaller upticks in Europe (1.3%) and Asia Pacific (1.4%). Meeting planners and owners are increasingly “emphasising value and asking, ‘What am I getting for that rate?’” says Milton Rivera, VP, Global Business Development and Strategy at AMEX. “This influences location choice, bringing to light midsize cities. And then this will likely drive up rates in those locations as well.”

Click here to continue reading in Event Issue 10.

BUSINESS EVENTS MADE EASY: MAURITIUS

The island of Mauritius – off the coast of East Africa, in the heart of the cerulean Indian Ocean – is the ideal destination for your next meeting, conference or incentive trip.

Mauritius is significantly more developed with regards to conferencing facilities than its neighbouring island nations. It has played host to major international conferences such as the Africa Energy Forum, the UN Small Island Developing States Conference and the upcoming International Business Conference. Mauritius has excellent infrastructure (both in terms of travel and telecommunications), fantastically flexible venues (both around the capital city of Port Louis and at its beach resorts) and plenty to do on incentive trips.

Key Venues
Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre

First opened in 2005, this doublestoried, state-of-the-art convention centre guarantees Mauritius’s place as the Indian Ocean region’s MICE leader, with 17 000m2 of flexible space. Its main hall can accommodate up to 3 500 delegates seated theatre-style and up to 5 000 in a reception. There are a number of smaller venues that can be used for breakaways or smaller functions. All catering and AV needs can be handled in-house. The venue’s proximity to Port Louis ensures convenience and shortened travel times. www.svicc.mu

Click here to continue reading in Event Issue 10.