Recovery, growth and fresh opportunities top the agenda for the 42nd annual SA Property Owners’ Association (Sapoa)
Former First Mayor of London, Kenneth Livingstone, will be sharing his views and experiences on how to make local government as effective as possible at the Sapoa convention in May.
Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, the event will take place at Sun City from May 12-14.
The convention theme is Think Beyond – Discover the Potential and key topics range from local government to political change and untapped potential in 2010.
“This is a year for optimism and unearthing new possibilities and exploring new horizons, after several years of focusing on risk management and consolidation,” says Sapoa chief executive, Neil Gopal. “The annual convention aims to reflect the industry’s mood, and this year the mood is ripe with opportunity.”
Frank Berkeley, managing executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, says the convention will focus on gearing up for the market recovery.
“Last year was particularly difficult for the property industry and, though we are not yet in the clear, it is important for all property professionals to explore opportunities in preparation for when the recession ends,” says Berkeley.
Apart from the networking opportunities offered by the convention, two key focal points for discussion and debate are the politics and economics of 2010 and how the bumpy ride of the last few years has changed both.
National Minister of Public Works Geoff Doidge will be a keynote speaker on the first day of the convention, followed by what is expected to be an energetic panel debate featuring political analysts like columnist Justice Malala.
Former First Mayor of London, Kenneth Livingstone, will be sharing his views and experiences on the political arena, and specifically on how to make local government as effective as possible.
Economic trends will be addressed by economist Azar Jammine, and debated by Alan Knott-Craig, MD of iBurst, and economist Roelof Botha.
“The Sapoa convention provide an opportunity for property leaders to come together, share experiences, and soak up new ideas,” says Gopal. “Our aim is to offer a diversity of views and perspectives, spark different ideas and foster constructive debate among property leaders.”
But the convention is not all work and no play, especially with the spirit of optimism being felt this year.
The Sapoa awards for innovative excellence highlight the industry’s most notable development projects in nine property sectors, and the Sapoa property journalism award is a coveted acknowledgement of excellence in reporting.
Excursions to Bafokeng Stadium, a golf day at the Gary Player course, and some spectacular evening entertainment are on the cards, too.
Visit www.sapoaconvention.co.za.
