SACSC 2018 will focus on innovation

Amanda Stops, CEO for the South African Council of Shopping Centres.

Chief executive officer for SACSC, Amanda Stops said that this year’s event will focus on innovation, facing disruption and an experience that highlights the importance of being game changers. “The shopping centre and retail industries are full of game changers. Throughout the world, we have seen retailers and shopping centres alike doing things differently and changing the game. This year we celebrate the game changers and help others change the game.

More than 1,500 delegates over three enthralling days, world-class speakers, presentations, insightful information and networking. The 22nd SACSC Annual Congress is an industry event not to be missed,” she said.

First wave of the internet was virtual

This year’s lineup of speakers will see the likes of Lebo Gunguluza, Polo Leteka, Gil Oved, Vusi Thembekwayo and Vinny Lingham of Dragons’ Den South Africa fame address delegates at the Business Lunch. Other speakers include Jeremy Gardiner, leading economist and a seasoned SACSC Congress speaker who will put a spotlight on current affairs, economics and investment markets as well as the state of consumer finances and debt levels; inflation rate; interest rates and the exchange rate.

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Alan Knott Craig who spoke at last year’s SACSC Research Conference will speak about the changing internet and where it will be in the next five years. According to Knott Craig, the first wave of the internet was virtual and people orientated. Google, Facebook, Twitter, eBay all exist on the internet without touching the real world. The second wave will mash the virtual and physical world and will connect both people and machines.

Uber’s Shavaye Govender, head of strategic partnerships and Uber for Business for Sub-Saharan Africa will speak on the current trends in retail transportation which include the history of Uber and the drivers of exponential growth, current mobility trends in the retail industry and how the vision of Uber fits into the lifestyle of shoppers.

Every brand has an authentic story to tell

Zak Venter, the founder of the influential South African brand S.P.C.C - Sergeant Pepper Clothing Company will speak on the storytelling of brands. According to Venter, every brand has an authentic story to tell, the best brands find a unique way to capture an aspect of their customers' humanity and reflect this back to them through honest, authentic, engaging communication and brand narrative. Venter will share his start-up story and unique ability to inspire a movement through authentic storytelling in the digital age.

Also, on the speaker lineup for this year’s SACSC Annual Congress delegates will get to meet Bas Lansdorp CEO, Mars One Project and Adriana Marais, theoretical physicist and Mars One Project candidate. They will speak on developments in science and technology which are taking place at an unprecedented rate, and the expansion of our society beyond this planet is within reach. In this presentation, Lansdorp and Marais will discuss research in quantum biology and the origins of life, the technology required to sustain terrestrial life on Mars and the various projects aiming to send crewed missions there. More speakers will be revealed closer to the date.

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The SACSC Annual Congress has become an event that not only brings up-to-date information and industry networking, it also celebrates the country’s retail, shopping centre and associated industries.

The event, sponsored by Broll Property Group takes place at the Durban International Convention Centre from 17 – 19 October 2018. Bookings are now open and those interested in attending may register online by visiting the website or email: az.gro.cscas@stneve or call the SACSC head office on +27 (0) 10 003 0228.