An impressive line-up of industry experts and high-profile speakers tackling business and industry issues has been announced as part of the conference programme for the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) annual Congress.
The three-day event takes place from 14 to 16 October 2015 at the Durban International Convention Centre. SA Revenue Services (SARS) is set to play a key role on the conference agenda, with its Commissioner, Tom Moyane, delivering the Keynote Address. SARS will also play an active role in other sessions in the two-day conference. “Our traditional conference programme has been restructured to offer informative, knowledge-gathering sessions, together with a more motivational and strategic component,” says SAAFF CEO Dave Logan. “This year we have also introduced a number of panel discussions, to create a more interactive and spontaneous component to the Congress.” The programme line-up includes: Master Mariner Nick Sloane, who will present “Rising to the Impossible”. Salvage master Sloane, a humanist and well-known genius of improvisation, is respected around the globe for overseeing and successfully refloating the Costa Concordia. He will be sharing his expert knowledge on leadership, managing diverse teams, strategy, vision, risk and embracing change. Popular scenario planner Clem Sunter will address delegates on “The World and South Africa Beyond 2050 – How a Fox Sees It”. Sunter, a ‘regular’ at the SAAFF Congress, will reveal how Foxes identify game-changing flags and adapt their strategy to suit the new game; the flags transforming the global economy; as well as the possibilities and flags for South Africa.‘Business Into Africa’ by Dr Andrew Shaw – Associate Director, Capital Projects: PWC. “Africa is the final frontier and, with seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies being in Africa, many international companies are looking to expand their footprint into Africa,” says Dave Logan, CEO of SAAFF.
“In addition, 22% of the world’s inhabitants will be living in the region by 2050. Freight forwarding companies have huge opportunities to leverage the Continent, but there are also challenges.” ‘The Future’ is the focus of the Training Junket, which will be hosted by training and skills development guru Tony d’Almeida. Speakers include The Chefs of Training Strategy, comprising Charles Dey (Head of the Supply Chain Management Faculty at the IMM Graduate School), Dr Tholsia Naidoo (Academic Director: Institute for Quality) and Dave Walls (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Skills Development Specialist). Their topic is “I want it all – gimme the B-BBEE Scorecard Training Points!” Three panel discussions tackling industry issues have also been announced:- Eikos Maritime Insurance Panel Discussion: “Freight Forwarder as Bailee – Liability Insurance and Bailee’s Insurance Route”. Legal expert Andrew Robinson, a Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, will facilitate this session.
- Infrastructure Panel Discussion on ‘Integrated Planning and Infrastructure Development – How to make this a Reality
- Women in Transport Panel Discussion: ‘Females in Freight Forwarding: How to Conquer New Frontiers’
New additions to this year’s programme include the SAAFF Golf Challenge at the Durban Country Club; a site visit to the Durban port and a sponsors’ meet-and-greet session. The Congress will run alongside a two-day industry supplier exhibition, with exhibitors showcasing products and services for the freight forwarding industry.
