Following months of hard work and planning, we hosted the SANA Convention at Protea Hotel Kruger Gate from 27 – 29 May 2015.
The Convention format he format was changed to a two-day event with a casual evening and f our convention was changed to a 1-day event with a casual dinner on Wednesday evening and gala dinner on Thursday evening.
The event was a great success with 101 delegates joining us for the convention and 110 guests at the Gala dinner where GCA Competition and Supplier Awards were presented during this event along with SANA Awards.
27 May
The convention started at 15h00 with a welcome from Convention Committee chairperson, William Webb followed by SANA President, Ryan Goodwin who officially opened the Convention. Tanya Visser broke the ice with an interactive session ‘You Amazing Mind’.
After acknowledging SANA 2014 Sponsors with a certificate, the first session was kicked into gear by our industry speaker, Dr Hennie le Roux who gave insight in Citrus matters that affect our industry. Thereafter delegates enjoyed some free time to network with colleagues and at 17h30 everyone gathered at the viewing deck lawn for our Taste experience. While enjoying delicious snacks and wine, delegates had the opportunity to give SANA portfolio managers valuable feedback on our main value propositions
After this session, delegates gathered at the boma for a delicious spit braai dinner and entertainment by Barry Hilton. The fun lasted until late as delegates enjoyed dancing and chatting to one another.
28 May
Day two started with the awarding of the Young Retailer, Young Grower and Young Sales Representative Awards for 2015. Congratulations to Frik Dreyer (Garden Pavilion Potchefstroom), Hugo Proper (NedPlant) and Johan du Preez (Starke Ayers) on receiving the respective awards… you guys have a bright future ahead!
The awards were followed by our 68th SANA AGM that included reports from the President and Vice Presidents, Financial report back and the information meeting where feedback was given on Life is a Garden, SANA Tom Arnold Bursary Fund, Natural Resources, Education and Training, IGCA and Industry memberships. Selvan Moodley of Fusion Home Accessories was introduced to members as Co-opted Member to the EXCO in charge of transformation.
Association AGM’s followed the SANA AGM. At the ABSTA AGM Pauline Swanepoel of Protek was elected as Chairperson and Shane Beckwith of Andy Titterton Wholesale Nursery was elected as chairperson of the Bedding Plant Growers Association. Congratulations to both and many you they a great 2 years serving on the SANA Executive Council.
After the forum meetings, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch outside on the lawn. This was followed by the keynote speaker, Allon Raiz who discussed the interesting top of entrepreneurship.
The formal session concluded, delegates had time to relax before getting dressed up for our black tie Gala evening. The theme was “Under African Skies” and everyone looked stunning.
The venue looked beautiful – decorated stylishly and it was the perfect background for announcement of Awards. The SANA Merit Award, Servicer Award, President’s Award and the SANA Gold medal were highlights of the evening. Tensions were almost at breaking point for the announcement of the SANA Supplier Competition and the top GCA Competition Awards. GCA Competition Departmental, Regional Size Categories and Home Store and Garden Centre of the Year were awarded.
Everyone mingled with one another and congratulations wereshared in celebration of awards received. Festivities lasted well into the night and everyone enjoyed the music, dancing and networking. Slowly, one by one members disappeared to the luxury and warmth of their beds and celebrations came to an end.
