PRISA Conference 2016 Durban - Day Two

Today the conference continued with some more interesting speakers.

Linda Magapatona of Brand SA shared the following:

‘’Every 12 Tourists is a job created’’

‘’There’s enough negativity out there without having to contribute to it’’

‘’Stay focused on what it is that you need to achieve’’

‘’Nobody represents you, you represent this country’’

Francois van Dyk of Ornico / Amec   gave us some insight into an Integrated Evaluation Framework.

He offered the following:

‘’How much is a tweet worth?’’

He showed us how one tweet from Oprah about Weight Watchers was worth $150 million.

He also told us to look out for amec Measurement Month from 1 – 30 September 2016.

He suggested delegates check out the hashtag #AMECMM during the month during which valuable information, education and much more will be shared during the month.

Thabisile Phumo of Sibanye Gold delved into Business Acumen.   These were some of her highlights:

‘’Workers are the eyes and ears of the business’’

‘’PR is strategic’’

‘’What are people talking about in the boardroom?  Strategy, Performance, ROI, Compliance and Governance, Risk Management, Innovation and People’’

‘’You have to understand the country that you operate in’’

‘’How do you do strategy?  Through research’’

‘’Your job as a PR agency is to help a company deliver on its goals’’

‘’Sometimes gossip is better than social media’’

‘’Own the communication channel’’

‘’Understand the company you represent for example if your client is a mining company do you know what mining is?’’

Daniel Munslow gave us Insight into the South African Communication Landscape:

‘’One of the biggest pressures are downward pressures on budget’’

‘’People leave jobs because of line managers not engaging with staff’’

‘’Some companies are still scared of social media’’

Francois Vorster talked about how to make PR thrive in a digital landscape.  He had this to say:

‘’Top searched for word in South Africa is free’’

‘’PR is getting or creating exposure’’

‘’When last did you send something that needed a stamp?’’

The conference concluded today. 

For more info on PRISA visit:  www.prisa.co.za

#PRISArise2016

The conference was part of Loeries Creative Week.

For more info on the other events this week visit:  www.loeries.com

#Loeries2016

Article by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

PRISA Conference 2016 Durban - Day One

Today I attended the PRISA (Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa) Conference.  It is being held in Durban as part of the Loeries Creative Week.

These were some of the highlights from Day One:

There is now new terminology in PR.

Roela Hattingh of the University of Johannesburg gave us the following insight:

‘’Gatewatching – the idea of watching without taking over’’

‘’Gatekeeping has been changed to gatewatching’’

‘’Learning is an active constructive process, learning also depends on rich contexts’’

‘’What are the products that you have memories with?’’

She went on to show us how students were using Instagram for an alcohol brand campaign because that is where their target audience is.

Prof. Sonja Verwey looked at the rise of PR or the fall of the agency model.  She reminded us of the following:

‘’Agencies don’t trust their clients anymore’’

‘’Clients complain of overpricing’’

‘’We are now in the age of digital disruption’’

‘’PR Agencies need to understand their clients business needs’’

‘’Clients don’t have agencies that tell them what the data means’’

Clarissa Muir of the University of Johannesburg reminded agencies to embrace digital as a business tool.  She also emphasised that to maintain a thriving business you need to change the business model when necessary.

Rene Benecke of the University of Johannesburg gave us insight from the history of PR education in South Africa, a critical analysis:

‘’There needs to be an Afrocentric model of PR’’

‘’Communication happens on all levels’’

‘’Listening is important’’

Tasneem Carrim gave us insight from GCIS Research and she shared the following:

‘’In order to influence the public we need to talk to the influencers’’

‘’South Africans take politics very seriously’’

She showed us various sections of South Africans:

S1 – Rooted Realists – They stay where they are

S2 – City Seekers – Majority are young

S3 – Safely Suburban – Middle Class People and People who live in Gated Estates

S4 – Metro Mobiles – City Bound

S5 – Cosmopolitan Capital – LSM 9 – 10 and Older People and Affluent people

                                                                                                                                                                                   

We also heard from Adolf Spangenberg on The Next Generation and how brands will communicate.

He had the following to say:

‘’Video will lead’’

‘’Every single one of us every single day engage with video’’

‘’Make sure that what people click through to is of value’’

He also stated that video needs to be at the beginning of your strategy not as an add on.

The conference continues tomorrow.

For more info visit: www.prisa.co.za

#PRISArise2016

Article by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Loeries Creative Week in Durban

There are plenty of events on in Durban this week all around the Loeries.  Those are those awards that every advertising company craves for.

Here are just some of the events on the go:

PRISA National Conference – Wed 17^th August – Thu 18^th August   

Venue: Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel

The Conference for all of those in the Public Relations Industry.

Loeries Expo Thu 18^th Aug – Fri 19^th Aug   Venue: ICC

Loeries Masterclasses 18^th Aug

MMA SA Mobile Marketing Leadership Forum – Thu 18^th Aug  Venue:  Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel

DStv Seminar of Creativity – Features top industry speakers – Fri 19^th Aug   Venue: ICC

MMA Smarties – Fri 19^th Aug

The Loeries Awards – Sat 20^th Aug and Sun 21 Aug

I Heart Loeries Market – Sun 21 Aug

For more info on all the events visit www.loeries.com

#Loeries2016

Women's Month Events Around Durban

There are plenty of events around Durban for Women's Month

 

Networking Event - 11  August - 8am - Hirsch's Umhlanga

 

African Art Centre - 11 August -  17h30 

 

imbizo Gallery Ballito - 11 August - 18h30 

 

 Celebrating Women - 28 August - email mindbodyenergise@gmail.com to book

 

Calling All Aspiring Screenwriters

CALLING ALL ASPIRING SCREENWRITERS TO THE HOT PLATE

SCRIPTWRITING INCUBATION PROGRAMME

Award winning film and television production company, Coal Stove Pictures, is inviting

all writers that have a desire for a career in the television and film industry to apply to

The Hot Plate Scriptwriting Incubation Programme. This exciting programme combines

the elements of an internship, a writing course and an incubator, into a three month

course that will take place in Newtown Johannesburg.

PROGRAMME CONTENT :

1 hour personal career planning and mentorship.

A weekly 4hour session of intensive group screenwriting coaching over the 12week

period.

Training in the award winning Coal Stove proprietary feature script development methodology.

Participation in the Coal Stove Script Reader Programme.

Participation in various scriptwriting workshops such as Writing Procedural Dramas and Writing

the Hollywood Blockbuster.

Screenwriting software practical training (Scrivener, Scapple and Final Draft)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit your C.V. and a motivation letter to submissions@coalstove.co.za.

The application email subject line should be "SUBMISSION: HOT PLATE INCUBATION PROGRAMME".

Failure to use the correct subject line may result in the application not being processed.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Queries need to be submitted via email before the closing date.

C L O S I N G D A T E F O R SUBMISSIONS:

15th of August 2016.

Wanted: 67 KZN pupils to honour Madiba’s legacy

In an effort to make an ongoing, meaningful difference that lives beyond Mandela Day, East Coast Radio has begun a province-wide search as part of its #ECR67Scholars initiative. The station has committed to paying the school fees of 67 Grade 8 pupils right through to Grade 12. The initiative is based on former President, Nelson Mandela’s fervent belief that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Launched this morning, #ECR67Scholars is the brainchild of East Coast Radio’s General Manager, Boni Mchunu, who is seeking a more sustainable offering that lives beyond just Mandela Day. “That means we are making a difference not just today, but every day,” explains Mchunu. “Education is the tool to success not only for individuals but in terms of the future of our country. I am a firm believer in the importance of education and the importance of encouraging our children to complete matric. #ECR67Scholars does its bit to make sure Madiba’s legacy lives on.”

In addition to harnessing Madiba’s passion for children and education, #ECR67Scholars also taps into the “building communities for good” ethos of East Coast Radio’s parent company, Kagiso Media. The station has called on Grade 8 pupils from around KwaZulu-Natal to submit their motivations on www.ecr.co.za for a chance to be among 67 pupils selected for a scholarship programme. 

Entries close on 31 July 2016.

Tala Collection Private Game Reserve Photography Competition

 

Tala Collection Private Game Reserve is running a photography competition

 

 

HOLIDAY FUN AT TALA COLLECTION PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

 

With more than two weeks of school holidays left, the Tala Collection Private Game Reserve has some fun activities on offer to keep the kids busy.

 

Plus a Fun Competition is happening in July with an awesome prize to be won – worth more than R18 000! Situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the more than 3 000-hectare Reserve is easily accessible – keeping travelling time to a minimum for the youngsters in the back seat!

 

Tala’s competition – “Tracking for Tala Treasure” – can involve the whole family. It’s “I-Spy” with a twist!

 

Here’s what you have to do: Drive around Tala, find and take a photograph of each of the following: 1) Stewart the Giraffe (ask the staff at reception for his description!); 2) A bird at Acacia Dam; 3) The Rock Pools; and 4) An aloe at Aloe Lodge.

 

Once all four photographs have been taken, post them on the Tala Collection Facebook Page – and include the hashtag #TrackingTala. The winner’s prize – worth more than R18 000 – is aWeekend at Figtree House (Bed & Breakfast), dependent on availability.

 

Figtree House has an old-world farmhouse atmosphere, is fully serviced (not self-catering), consists of five en-suite bedrooms (can accommodate a group of ten), a spacious lounge and a verandah with stunning views.

 

Please note the photographs must be taken at Tala during July. The competition runs for the month of July. The judges’ decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.

 

Pack the mountain bikes as well and tackle the Reserve’s new MTB trails. There are three different distances – 3,5km, 5km and 10km – with the shortest one being perfect to do with the kids. Cycling with viewing the game along the way will certainly give the youngsters something to talk about when they return to school. Don’t forget to pack your cycle-helmets and water bottles and enjoy a family outing to remember.

 

There is a rock pool braai area – to relax for a lunchtime picnic – or Tala’s Aloe Restaurant, where the family can share a delicious meal together.

 

A diverse choice of accommodation is also available for a short affordable holiday break – these range from rustic to luxury and can suit any budget.

 

Special holiday rates are on offer – applicable for July only. Contact Tel: (031) 781 8000, email:info@tala.co.za  or go to www.tala.co.za for further information.