The judges, legal academics and practicing lawyers meet and discuss current and topical issues which affect the legal and broader community today.

Four International keynote speakers will open each day, supported by a full-day program. There are 48 panel sessions (over 175 speakers) divided into the following four main streams which run concurrently:
• Corporate and Commercial Law;
• Legal and Judicial Profession;
• Constitutionalism Human Rights; and
• The Rule of Law; and Contemporary Legal Topics.

The world is becoming a smaller place in which we face common challenges and seek common solutions.

can you afford not to be a part of it??!!

Commonwealth Law Conference 2013

Wines of South Africa and the South African Tourism sector join forces at the Vindaba 2012, an exhibition dedicated to the South African wine tourism industry, an industry that has been labelled as the fastest-growing and most lucrative sectors of the global tourism market.

“As far as we know, this is the first initiative of its kind anywhere in the wine-producing world in which the wine and tourism sectors are jointly presenting a wine and wine tourism event,” says Su Birch, CEO of Wines Of South Africa, who also feels the boost in the industry has the potential to create more jobs.

By incorporating these two industries, delegates hope to put South Africa on the world map of wine tourism, strengthening its role as one of South Africa’s leisure offerings.

“South Africa offers a diverse and exciting range of tourism experiences,” says South African Tourism’s global manager for events, Sugen Pillay.

The exhibition will include seminars, one-on-one meetings and customized tour information and guides to South Africa’s 20 different wine routes, attracting representatives from the wine, travel and lifestyle media.

The Vindaba 2012 will run simultaneously with Cape Wine 2012 at the Cape Town Convention Centre, both events catering to the international wine trade, from buyers to importers and sommeliers with a distinctly ‘Green’ vibe, emphasizing the importance of Eco-friendly exhibitions.

Sample up to 80 unique wines, from ports to Cape blends, at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction and have the opportunity to bid on select, premium gems during the silent auction, with all funds raised going to the Nedbank CWG Development Trust. Meet the winemakers over a glass of their blend or preview other wines that are yet to be unveiled.

These fine winemakers are all members of the Guild, as only members are allowed to submit their wines to the auction. These limited edition wines are produced in small quantities and blended exclusively for sale at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers auction, representing and strengthening the reputation of South African Wines.

To maintain the high quality product at the auction, all wines are subject to chemical and microbiological analysis and a blind tasting by Guild members. Strict controls are put in place ensuring wines are free of technical defects and meet the highest standards of wine health management.

This premier wine exhibition continues to nudge the South African wine industry to stand tall among the industry leaders on a global stage, contributing toward setting standards of excellence.

Experience a day of exceptional wines at the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction at the Spier Conference Centre in Stellenbosch on Saturday the 6th of October 2012.

The Tourism Business conference starts August 2nd and has hosted over 350 delegates in previous years over a 3-day period. This year the conference has been compressed into an informative one-day session.

The idea is to create an in-depth understanding of the ever-changing market and its trends. It provides an opportunity for hotel and accommodation establishments, function and events companies, restaurants and any travel and tourism businesses to learn skills and information from the best front-runners in the industry and how to incorporate it into their business to suit their needs.

Among last years panel of experts was the CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company Lindiwe Kwele, Gary Harwood the MD of HKLM, as well as Jenny Handley brand strategist and owner of JHP.

The discussion topics visitors can expect include:
- How technology and e-commerce affects your business.
- Using the right and most effective marketing tools beneficial to you businesses.
- Implementation of responsible tourism and ‘Green’ policies.
- Developing the tools to use resources like the internet and social media to generate business.
- Improving customers relationships and services within the industry.
- How the newly enforced policies and acts can influence your business.

For business rooted in the Travel and Tourism industry or its related fields, let the Tourism Business Conference equip you with the tools to boost your name and gain exposure on a local and international platform.

The brilliant Alan Committee, a leading South African stand-up comic, actor, writer and all-round entertainer, will return as master of ceremonies for the show, introducing the various acts which include local performances by Kurt Schoonraad, Piet Potgieter , Carl Wastie and Kagiso Mokgadi.

International Acts
There will be some returning and some new international acts this year by a host of comedians from across the world, including the New Zeal UK and Japan.

Gamarjobat
This award winning Japanese duo, dubbed ‘Kings of Silent comedy’ performs a variety of sketches, including mimes and physical comedy, appearing in first rate comedy shows and television.

Imran Yusuf
Known for his energetic, punchy commentary, British Imran Yusuf was inspired by his diverse, multicultural background.
His satirical and contemporary performances led him to be nominated for Best Newcomer in the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award 2010.

Kev Orkian
From the UK, with Armenian heritage, Kev Orkian writes and develops routines to incorporate music, translates his comedy through music, singing and acting. Thought to be the best ‘musical comedian’, Kev has toured the world, receiving accolades in both comedy and music.

The Boy with Tape on His Mouth
Returning to SA, the peculiar Boy with Tape on His Mouth has a simple, clever and charming humour that is playful and absolutely hilarious.

Another ‘Silent Comedian,’ his routine transcends cultural and language barriers and is cheerful and child-like.

The Vodacom Funny Festival tickets are R140pp and are available through computicket. The show runs for just under 3 hours and is not suitable for children under the age of 18.

Usually hosted in Gauteng and established for 25 years, Hostex Cape Town 2012 runs from 15th to 17th May 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and caters to every sector within the restaurant and hospitality trade, from food and beverage to furniture to cleaning and hygiene products.

Consumers and suppliers alike can experience and showcase product offerings amongst top brands and stake holders in the industry.

Top Features:

SA Chefs Village
Hosted by SA Chefs Association the Chefs Village includes demonstrations from award-winning local chefs and three exciting competitions where chefs will go head-to-head: the City & Guilds Student Skills Challenge, the McCain Tribute to Good Taste and the Nestlé Professional Golden Chefs Hat Competition.

The Hostex Wine Circle
Experience wine tasting in a relaxed and informal setting, where a selection of elite winemakers have will showcase their brands to their ideal market within the industry.

SA Barista Championships Competition
The top six baristas from across South Africa battle and broil against each other to win an opportunity to represent South Africa at the World Barista Championship 2012 in Vienna. Learn everything you wanted to know about the dynamics of the specialty coffee industry.

Global Pizza Challenge SA
Individual pizza makers, pizzeria teams or home enthusiasts passionate about pizza are encouraged to take part in this challenge and demonstrate their ‘masterpizzas’ during this live cook-off. Judged by a panel of internationally recognised chefs, contestants will be judged on their originality, balance, creativity, as well as excitements, 30 finalists, and invite these pizza makers to recreate their recipes at the event in Johannesburg for the South African Global Pizza Challenge title.

For events, niche products and services within the industry, with Hostex Cape Town 2012 you really are spoiled for choice.

Big and small brands showcase their products in the most appropriate setting, networking with thousands of existing and potential customers whilst rubbing shoulders with their competition.  Visitors can look forward to samples from their favourite restaurant, food and beverage or lifestyle supplier and sneak-peeks of new and upcoming products and plans, all under one roof at The Good Food and Wine Show.

This year the International celebrity guest chefs include The Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, winner of MasterChef America, Whitney Miller, Reza Mahammad and Ariana Bundy.

Watch your favourite celebrity chef create their signature dishes in the Chefs in Action Theatre or enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés in the MTN VIP Lounge as VIP ticket holder.

Refine your culinary prowess with the Get Fresh with BBC Hands on Workshops, and learn how to incorporate healthy eating habits into your family lifestyle in the Spar Good for you Theatre.

For the kiddies, the CBeebies Good Food for Kids Theatre has CBeebies Mister Maker who will keep the little people busy through art and craft, as well as a supervised, hands on cooking area.

Indulge in Foods From around the World tasting dishes or sample menus and wines from the Cape’s top restaurants and wine estates in Taste of the Cape.

The Street Food Strip is a fresh and trendy new take on street food, adding a gourmet and trendy edge, or stop byt The Artisan Food Market where you can watch and learn from creative and innovative food artists.

Other main attractions include the Lindt Chocolate Appreciation Theatre, The Fine Brandies Emporium and Amarula Cocktail Lounge.

Savoury or Sweet – whatever your taste, find it at The Good Food and Wine Show.

Sea Point has a long Jewish history, and it’s the centre of Cape Town’s Jewish community. On Friday evenings it’s common to see Hasidic Jews walking to Shul. If you’d like to sample some swanky Semitic cuisine, a popular hang out is the long-standing New York Bagel, which has an exclusive deli and coffee shop attached. In addition to synagogues, there are also other places of worship; namely a number of churches, a Rastafarian temple (which honours the late Haile Selassie), and a Buddhist meditation centre.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect bagel or burger, there is something for every palate. Its numerous restaurants include Thai, an excellent Indian eatery, exotic Lebanese, Korean, and Chinese. If you’re in need of a caffeine fix, there are a couple of hip and stylish coffee bars, where you can sit down, relax, and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi (and the happy hour cocktail specials).

Due to its central location, Sea Point makes the perfect ‘base camp’ for the discerning tourist. There are a handful of boutique hotels – such as The Hyde Hotel – that will accommodate you in luxurious 4-star style. A cab service can be arranged, so you can zip in and out of the city centre, which is a mere 10 minute drive away. Or cab it to nearby Camps Bay, where you can hang out with Cape Town’s fashionistas and über cool. If you need some downtime from the glitz of the city, you can always enjoy a private sundowner on the balcony of your designer loft hotel room, while taking in the cool, Cape Town breeze.

There are plenty of venues that can do an equally impressive job, but on a smaller scale, and with more competitive rates.  Many Cape Town conferencing facilities prefer to go this route.  Whether you’ll be hosting a weekend workshop, a full-day conference, a breakfast presentation, or an exclusive Cocktail function; there is a venue to suit your needs.  Most venues can also tailor your conference requirements according to your budget, but without sacrificing quality, service, or style.

One such venue can be found at the chic Hyde Hotel, which is centrally and conveniently located in Sea Point.  This 4-star boutique hotel has a stylish 80-seater capacity conference room, equipped with the latest in AV technology.  It also has two 12-seater boardrooms, which can be used as separate, ‘detachable’ rooms during your event.  Smaller venues allow for a greater attention to detail, and a more ‘personalised’ approach.  For example, delegates can have the option of utilizing an onsite mobile spa treatment, or a chauffeur service.  The hotel also has a storeroom, for either equipment storage or collection.

It’s therefore no wonder that many Cape Town conferences are being held in smaller, more intimate venues.  In today’s stressful corporate world, it only makes sense to hold a conference that will exceed all expectations, and not end up being ‘just another dull conference’.  Delegates shouldn’t feel that they are simply reduced to names on a tag.  Instead, they should feel that they are attending a unique and sophisticated event…your conference!