The 15th PSASA Convention was, by all accounts, a great success. With 14 live speakers and 21 virtual plus 4 MCs we had a tremendous lineup and added to that we had fun events both for the virtual and live delegates. This year we also had a primary sponsor in Sanlam and my thanks also goes to Laborie for the sponsored wine.
The event was held at the Devonvale Wine and Golf Estate near Stellenbosch and they did a marvellous job of providing great food and excellent service. The team arrived early the day before as we had a lot to set up. Being a hybrid event meant that we had a great deal more equipment than we have had in the past with a three camera shoot with sound and video feeds going in and out of the venue. The first day was started with a pre-con ‘Coping with Covid’ compared by Alan Committie.
The main convention started at midday on Friday and continued until Sunday lunch. There were so many high points that it is hard to mention them all here. The Friday evening braai has been mentioned by many of the delegates at the venue as being something to remember. Twelve delegates stood at the open mic one at a time, to tell their best story, with a prize for the best story of a iPad holder (leather).
Saturday night was the time for the Gala awards dinner. The conference room was transformed into spectacular hall for the magic show and awards. Brian Mills entertained us with his magical performance and we managed to combine 2020 awards with awards for 2021.
My grateful thanks go to the committee who put this successful event together. Brian Turner in the studio in Johannesburg, Taryn-lee Kearney also in Johannesburg managing the flow of virtual speakers and virtual delegates. Nomvula Rakolote organised the main sponsor and Nikki Bush ran the Gala Awards Dinner. Ian Bratt was responsible for the bookings and Arthur Goldstuck for Tech support. Tyron Harding not only did the advertising but also made sure our COVID protocols were adhered to. Marcel Oudejans was the Production Manager and Allan Marriott ran the sound.
It is extremely hard work to put together a convention of this nature but the results speak for themselves. Well done to all the speakers, delegates and helpers who contributed their time to make this event a great success.
Have a look here for more photos from the convention.
