What a year we have all had in our industry. It has been a roller coaster ride of disappointments and anxiety for the future of our collective businesses. But it has also been a year of pulling together and cohesion in our industry. In April this year the SA Events Council was formed. It has 14 affiliate associations, of which the PCO Alliance Network is one. Our chairlady, Ellen Oosthuizen has been working tirelessly with all the Associations and great work has been done. The Department of Tourism has been lobbied and in turn so has Government, to allow the Event and Exhibition industry to start opening up in a safe and responsible manner.
We have had all our meetings this year on Zoom, and on 07 December the PCO Alliance held their final and first physical meeting of 2020 at the Blueberry Hill Hotel in Honeydew. It was a time for reflection over the year and also for moving forward. Ironically during this stressful time, the PCO Alliance has gained great industry visibility, respect and support. The members have remained engaged with, and supportive of one another through regular zoom meetings, industry site inspections and the odd social event such as getting together to practice, dance and film “Jerusalema” on a beautiful property in the country which was followed by a braai lunch.
Our end of year lunch followed our meeting and it was a fabulous event – wonderful companionship, food and entertainment. Everyone contributed one word for their hope for 2021. A big thank you to Blueberry Hill Hotel management and staff. Our heartfelt thanks also to Ellen Oosthuizen, our chairlady for keeping us focused, our EXCO who have supported her and our Members who have rallied. We look forward with hesitant optimism to 2021 and we wish all our clients, suppliers and venues a peaceful Festive Season and safe travels for those who will be traveling over this time.
The PCO Alliance contributed soft toys to Florida Baby House this year.
The baby house takes in abused and abandoned babies ranging in age from a few days old to 4 years. They prepare a portfolio for the babies and then they are given up for adoption.
The Christmas Tree on the shelf has all the names of the children written on the Christmas Ball Decorations.
