SATSA ‘This is Us’ 2024 Conference: Topics and Speakers
SATSA's 2024 conference, themed "This is Us", promises to be a gathering unlike any we've held before. We’ll strip away any formalities and reconnect with the heart of who we are. It's a homecoming, a celebration, and a powerful reimagining of what it means to be the voice of Southern African tourism.
We've tackled industry challenges head-on in previous years, often preoccupied with external factors that bedevil our sector. Our conferences typically featured panel discussions and presentations, sometimes limiting two-way dialogue. This year, we're shifting our focus inward and inviting every attendee to become a storyteller, reconnecting with our roots and celebrating the narratives that define us.
In an age where information is omnipresent, it is often mistaken for knowledge, and knowledge is mistaken for wisdom. We're returning to the essence of how wisdom has been imparted over the ages: storytelling. Our conference will highlight the power of personal narratives to forge deeper connections through intimate conversations, shared laughter, and the impact of individual experiences.
We're departing from the familiar to create an intrinsically immersive gathering of minds. Our chosen venue in the Cape, Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa lends itself perfectly to this objective, offering a winter retreat complete with soul-nourishing fireside chats.
So, what's the craic?
Storytelling is deeply woven into the fabric of our diverse cultures. From the ancient African tradition of “Imbawula gatherings” around a fire, to the Afrikaans concept of “oor die kole” - stories have always been a means of passing down knowledge, fostering connections, and finding meaning in our shared experiences.
This tradition isn't unique to South Africa; cultures worldwide have their own ways of weaving tales and connecting through shared experiences. In Ireland, they refer to " the craic" - a rich humorous and connected conversation, often enjoyed in the warm atmosphere of local pubs.
This year's conference is a celebration of that rich storytelling heritage. It will unfold as an engaging chronicle of Southern African tourism's past, present and future. As our sector rebounds and reshapes itself, we're collectively crafting its narrative.
We invite you to share your own stories and step into those of the pioneers who have persevered and propelled our industry forward.
Our conference themes, which are fluid and subject to change, include:
- Where We Have Come From- Tales of Tourism and Conservation
- Reflections and Lessons from Covid & the Red List
- Success Stories Shaping Tourism- Sales and Marketing Insights
- Tourism Communities and Conservation - a SANParks Perspective
- Integrated Transformationand Harnessing the Power of Regenerative Tourism
- Voices of Tomorrow - A Youth Perspective on Tourism’s Role and the Future
- Navigating the Future - Present Partnerships for Long-Term Growth
- Revolutionising Travel Brands - Customer-Centric Insights and Technological Innovation
"This is Us" isn't just about listening to stories – it's about sharing them. You'll hear from the likes of Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher), Robbie Brozin, co-founder of Nando’s, and many others who have shaped our industry. But we believe that every voice matters.
This conference is your platform to share your experiences, your challenges, and your triumphs. We want to hear from SATSA members, industry partners, and anyone with a passion for Southern African tourism. Your stories are the heart of our industry, and we can't wait to hear them.
Here's a sneak peak of the storytellers:
- Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Craig Foster (My Octopus Teacher)
- Robbie Brozin, co-founder of Nando’s
- The Mantis Collection’s Adrian and Paul Gardiner
- Monika Iuel, Chief Destination Marketing Officer at Wesgro
- Johan Groenewald, Managing Director of Royal African Discoveries
- Amanda Margison from On Show Solutions
- Martina Barth from The Liz McGrath Collection
- Peter Dros, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cheetah Plains
- South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe and CMO, Thembisile Sehloho
- Lindiwe Sangweni Siddo, Chief Operating Officer for City Lodge Hotel Group
- Yolan Friedmann, CEO of Endangered Wildlife Trust and Member of the SANParks Board
- Sherwin Charles from Goodbye Malaria
- SATSA Member and Published Author, Andrew Russel, of Cape Africa Tours
- Nadine Muller, Head of Sales at go2africa
- David Ryan, CEO of Rhino Africa
- Jeanerette Momberg and Nicolette Booyens from Visit Stellenbosch
- Neil Markovitz, CEO at Newmark Hotels
- Margie Whitehouse, Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, former CMO at SA Tourism and former CMO at Saudi Tourism Authority
Come prepared to be inspired, to connect with others, and to add your voice to the collective narrative of "This is Us."
Don't miss your chance to shape the narrative!
Register now and help craft a vibrant future for Southern African tourism.
Stay tuned for more updates as we unveil the next chapter of our conference journey.
