Book Of Swag » News & Culture http://bookofswag.co.za Online Magazine For Art Fashion Lifestyle Entertainment Tech Fri, 01 Aug 2014 07:32:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.1 FLUME TO PLAY THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT TERMINAL http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/flume-play-three-sold-dates-terminal/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/flume-play-three-sold-dates-terminal/#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2014 05:15:22 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1218 FLUME TO PLAY THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT TERMINAL Rising Australian artist/producer Flume will play three sold out nights this..

The post FLUME TO PLAY THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT TERMINAL appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
FLUME TO PLAY THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT TERMINAL

Rising Australian artist/producer Flume will play three sold out nights this week at New York’s Terminal 5, starting tonight, July 16 and continuing through Friday. Flume is currently on a worldwide tour, including a string of sold out headlining dates in the U.S., celebrating the runaway success of his self-titled debut, out now on Mom + Pop Music.

In addition to the Terminal 5 dates, the tour includes stops at Lollapalooza, Forecastle, Reading & Leeds, Rock en Seine and Red Rocks Amphitheatre later this summer, as well as three sold out nights at Los Angeles’ Club Nokia August 8, 9 and 11. Please see below for full tour routing.

Flume recently released his re-work of Chet Faker’s “Gold,” a follow-up to the pair’s collaborative Lockjaw EP, out last year. Stream the re-work via Soundcloud here and purchase via iTunes here.

The deluxe edition of Flume, released in November of last year, includes a new mixtape—featuring Freddie Gibbs, Ghostface Killah, Autre Ne Veut, Killer Mike, Twin Shadow, How To Dress Well and more—in addition to the album’s hits including “Holdin’ On” and “Sleepless.” Flume has also recently attracted attention for his remixes of Disclosure’s “You & Me” and Lorde’s “Tennis Court,” which he debuted during a Coachella set that Huffington Post called “pretty amazing.”

Flume is 22-year-old Australian producer Harley Streten. After releasing his debut in Australia in November 2012 on tastemaker label Future Classic, Flume experienced wildfire success there, winning 2013’s triple j award for Australian Album of the Year and four ARIA Awards for Producer of the Year, Best Male, Breakthrough Artist and Best Dance Release. He has since gone on to sell out shows worldwide, including a U.K. tour with Disclosure and dates in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Berlin.

FLUME TOUR DATES

July 16 New York, NY Terminal 5

July 17 New York, NY Terminal 5

July 18 New York, NY Terminal 5

July 19 Toronto, ON Time Festival

July 20 Louisville, KY The Forecastle Festival

July 23 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

July 24 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

July 25 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer

July 26 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution – Mad Decent Block Party

July 27 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade – Mad Decent Block Party

July 29 Boston, MA Royale

July 30 Burlington, VT Higher Ground

August 1 Montreal, QC Osheaga

August 2 Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall

August 5 Denver, CO Red Rocks

August 7 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl

August 8-10 Palm Springs, CA Splash House

August 8 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia

August 8 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia

August 11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia

The post FLUME TO PLAY THREE SOLD OUT DATES AT TERMINAL appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/flume-play-three-sold-dates-terminal/feed/ 0
MARTIN GARRIX NOMINATED FOR MTV VMA AWARD http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/martin-garrix-nominated-mtv-vma-award/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/martin-garrix-nominated-mtv-vma-award/#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2014 05:11:11 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1215 MARTIN GARRIX NOMINATED FOR MTV VMA AWARD 18-year-old DJ Martin Garrix is the only Dutch artist to be nominated for..

The post MARTIN GARRIX NOMINATED FOR MTV VMA AWARD appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
MARTIN GARRIX NOMINATED FOR MTV VMA AWARD

18-year-old DJ Martin Garrix is the only Dutch artist to be nominated for a Video Music Award. The nomination is in the MTV Clubland category for his hit single, “Animals.” Competitors in the same bracket include Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Zedd ft. Hayley Williams, and DJ Snake & Lil Jon.

When asked about the nomination, Martin says, “WOW! This is totally crazy!”

Garrix, born Martijn Garritsen, shot to stardom in July 2013 with his breakthrough track. The song has been viewed nearly 300 million times on YouTube and has reached platinum sales status in America.

Since the success of ‘Animals’ Martin’s career has shot like a rocket, performing at clubs and festivals all around the world. This past April he played the prestigous Coachella Festival, made his Sensation debut earlier this month, and will be headlining the mainstage at Belgium’s Tomorrowland Festival next weekend.

A live broadcast will be streaming from the Forum in Ingelwood, California on Sunday August 24th.

The video can be seen here!

You can vote here:

http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2014/mtv-clubland-award/

The post MARTIN GARRIX NOMINATED FOR MTV VMA AWARD appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/07/19/martin-garrix-nominated-mtv-vma-award/feed/ 0
BURGER KING® opens its first store in Pretoria http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/30/burger-king-opens-first-store-pretoria/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/30/burger-king-opens-first-store-pretoria/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2014 11:09:32 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1151 BURGER KING® opens its first store in Pretoria The famous WHOPPER® zeal sweeps over Hatfield The iconic Whopper® took over..

The post BURGER KING® opens its first store in Pretoria appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
BURGER KING® opens its first store in Pretoria

The famous WHOPPER® zeal sweeps over Hatfield

The iconic Whopper® took over Hatfield as global burger chain, BURGER KING® opened its doors for the first time in the Pretoria city centre. This is the 18th addition to the BURGER KING® South Africa family since it launched in Cape Town in May 2013.

Pretoria citizens were entertained buy top local DJs, Twins on Deck, DJ Capital, Tymless Kutcha and Chris Beats while they waited patiently to experience the BURGER KING® menu.

The 80-seater store, located in the heart of Pretoria, was buzzing with devoted WHOPPER® fans undeterred by the winter chill. The opening of the Hatfield store matched the excitement and anticipation that has been customary at all the BURGER KING® openings in the country.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the BURGER KING® offerings closer to Pretoria. Since we first launched in South Africa, we have received a warm welcome in all three provinces, and we believe that the community of Pretoria will take full advantage of having this iconic brand in their back yard,” says Jaye Sinclair, CEO of BURGER KING® South Africa.

The Burger King Pretoria store in Hatfield is located at Shop B3, 1066 corner of Hilda and Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria. It will operate from 10am to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, and from 10am to 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information call 080 WHOPPER (080 946 7737) or visit us at www.burgerking.co.za.

The post BURGER KING® opens its first store in Pretoria appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/30/burger-king-opens-first-store-pretoria/feed/ 0
Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/recognising-south-african-volunteers-served-banner-united-nations-korea/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/recognising-south-african-volunteers-served-banner-united-nations-korea/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:39:01 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1133 Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea Samsung Electronics South Africa in..

The post Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea<
Samsung Supports the Remembrance Tour to 2 Squadron in Limpopo/h2>

Samsung Electronics South Africa in partnership with The South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) will host the South African Korean War Veterans Association (SAKWVA) remembrance tour to 2 Squadron, at AFB in Makhado, Limpopo. The two day event will be held on the 24 – 26 June, 2014 and will see veterans take part in a series of activities, including a trip to the Combat Flying School.

“Samsung has supported the SAKWVA in its endavours to ensure the legacy of the association lives on and we are extremely honoured to be a part of this extraordinary and historical event,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics SA.

This year marks the Republic of Korea’s celebration of the 61st anniversary of the ceasefire, since the end of the war in the Korean peninsula between North and South territories, in 1953.

Samsung offers the highest standards of integrated care programmes that focus on the medical as well as well-being components of the veterans. “We are inspired to memorialise the legacy of our heroes and their contributions to and on behalf of our country. Thus demonstrating our ongoing efforts to ensure we preserve history and share their stories for future generations.”

After the war broke out in Korea on 25 June 1950, the Union Government announced its intention to place an all-volunteer squadron at the disposal of the United Nations. Exactly three months later, the South African Government sent a volunteer force to assist in defending South Korea as part of a United Nations task force. The 2 Squadron (the Flying Cheetahs) which sailed for Japan, were converted onto the F-51D Mustang supplied by the USAF and proceeded to Korea. It served as one of the four squadrons of the USAF 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing and flew their first mission in Korea on 19 November 1950.

The war ended on 27 July 1953. Prior to the SAAF members returning to South Africa, the Sabres were returned to the USAF. Approximately 34 SAAF pilots had lost their lives and 8 were taken as prisoners of war, including the future Chief of the Air Force, Lt Gen Denis Earp. In total, 74 Mustangs and 4 Sabres were lost.

Lt Col Francois van Zyl, the SAAFA Chairperson: “The association is delighted to be in a position to host this tour of remembrance and is grateful to Samsung for making it possible. The men of 2 Squadron served with such pride and bravery that they distinguished themselves from all the other participating units. It is with great honour that we can commend the unit, after so many years.”

Currently there are 36 surviving troupers and 38 surviving widows, all octogenarians. The Association consists of +170 members including children and grandchildren of the Veterans.

“At Samsung, we believe that we can prosper only when the society within which we operate remains well and cared for and this is in accordance with our brand ethos as a responsible corporate citizen,” concludes Potgieter.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

About the South African Air Force Association

The SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION is an all-ranks meeting place, founded in 1945. This eminently worthy cause not only recreates in a light-hearted atmosphere the togetherness of its aviation-minded members, but also enjoins them to share responsibility for the needs of less fortunate ex-SAAF types and their spouses. Furthermore, the SAAFA actively promotes the image of the SAAF and its members. Indeed, the two-fold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association’s Care of the Aged programme. For more information, please visit www.saafa.co.za

The post Recognising South African Volunteers Who Served Under The Banner of the United Nations in Korea appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/recognising-south-african-volunteers-served-banner-united-nations-korea/feed/ 0
Official Countdown to the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/official-countdown-jack-daniels-boomtown/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/official-countdown-jack-daniels-boomtown/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:16:28 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1128 Official Countdown to the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN

The post Official Countdown to the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Official Countdown to the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN

With just under 2 weeks to go to until the annual Durban July happening at the Greyville Racecourse, event organisers of the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN are well underway with final preparation for the #1 Marquee.

BOOMTOWN now it’s 6th year at the Durban July has officially partnered with premium brand Jack Daniel’s, who have taken on the official naming rights this year. With the maddest line-up of SA’s finest musicians and DJ’s, the show promises to be an experience like no other with the aim of retaining the title of the most favoured marquee at this annual event. With the inclusion of Africa latest sensation Uhuru and Teargas frontman KO to the already jam packed line-up, announced in social media last week, tickets are fast selling out over the past weekend.

BOOMTOWN will again offer it’s guests premium lounges and décor, a world class stage and sound infrastructure, as well as our unrivalled trackside viewing deck so that you can enjoy a premium view of the horse racing action.

Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN Powered by Nokia, the Durban July’s favourite Marquee experience!

ENTERTAINMENT LINE –UP

This year’s high quality entertainment line-up offers BOOMTOWN fans 11 hours of exhilarating entertainment.

Uhuru KO AKA & DaLES DJ Fanatic

Khuli Chana Mi Casa Dreamteam Black Coffee

Reason Zakes Bantwini DJ Clock DJ Ishesh

TICKET Information:

Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN Powered by Nokia will be open from 11am – 10pm

All tickets available NOW for purchase from Computicket, for group bookings contact the Airey Scott office on 031 303 5637

GENERAL Ticket – R 490 per person

· Lounges and outside area

· 100 metres of bar

· Café restaurant

· Plasma screens with racing feed

· Betting facilities

VIP Ticket – R 1500 per person

· Private carpeted VIP Lounge

· 40 metres of bar

· Full complimentary bar* (11am – 5 pm)

· Complimentary buffet lunch

· Complimentary late night snack

· Private toilet facilities

· Trackside viewing deck

· Plasma screens with racing feed

· Private betting facilities

*Local spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks are complimentary. Premium stock on sale.

VVIP Ticket – R 2500 per person

· Exclusive decked VVIP Lounge

· Premium décor

· Full complimentary bar* (11am – 8pm)

· Complimentary upscale buffet lunch

· Complimentary late night snack

· Trackside viewing deck

· Plasma screens with racing feed

· Private luxury toilets

· Private betting facilities

· Fully staffed facility, including dedicated waitresses, bar staff, hostesses, security and senior management.

* Local spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks are Complimentary. Premium stock on sale.

Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN Powered by Nokia is hosted by local promoters Airey Scott.

For more event information:

Catch live updates on Twitter via our handle @AireyScott, our Airey Scott Facebook page, and on our Airey Scott Instagram. Also check out the official BOOMTOWN website www.boomtown.za.com

Enjoy Responsibly. Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18

The post Official Countdown to the Jack Daniel’s BOOMTOWN appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/official-countdown-jack-daniels-boomtown/feed/ 0
Tumi Molekane Announces European Tour Dates http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/tumi-molekane-announces-european-tour-dates/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/tumi-molekane-announces-european-tour-dates/#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:09:05 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1121 Tumi Molekane Announces European Tour Dates Tumi Molekane formally known from Tumi and The Volume, who has recently released his..

The post Tumi Molekane Announces European Tour Dates appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Tumi Molekane Announces European Tour Dates

Tumi Molekane formally known from Tumi and The Volume, who has recently
released his latest smash hit “Hello Kitty” has paired up with French Hip
Hop collective Chinese Man for a European Tour which kicks off on the 27th
June 2014.

Chinese Man, signed by the label Chinese Man records, is a French hip-hop
collective, comprising of 2 musicians formed in 2004 and based in Europe.
Their main influences are funk, dub, reggae and jazz. Comprising of the
Marseilles DJ Zé Mateo and High Ku and the beatmakers SLY and Leolebug, the
group is particularly known for the piece “I’ve Got That Tune,” which was
chosen by a large German automobile firm for an advertisement, as well as
being the theme song for the French film festival in Hong Kong.

The tour will kick off on the 27th June 2014 in Paris, France and end on the
13th July 2014 in Neuve Eglise, France. The tour will see Tumi venture
through France, Belgium and Germany showcasing his new material as well as
collaborations between himself and Chinese Man.

“I’m excited about this tour, being able to showcase African music to a
European audience is a phenomenal achievement for all of us in the music
industry” says Tumi.

Tour Dates:

27 June 2014: Solidays – Paris, France

28 June 2014: Couleur Cafe – Bruxelles (Belgium)

04 July 2014: Festival Bobital – Rennes, France

05 July 2014: Festival Summerjam – Koln (Germany)

10 July 2014: Live au Pont – Pont du Gard, France

13 July 2014: Festival Decibulles – Neuve Eglise, France

The post Tumi Molekane Announces European Tour Dates appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/24/tumi-molekane-announces-european-tour-dates/feed/ 0
The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event From http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/02/aromat-loxion-comedy-series-audiences-shaking-laughter-special-media-preview-event/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/02/aromat-loxion-comedy-series-audiences-shaking-laughter-special-media-preview-event/#comments Mon, 02 Jun 2014 09:14:42 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1031 The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event From The Aromat Loxion..

The post The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event From appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event From

The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event

Laughter echoed through the streets of Soweto on the 29th of May as Aromat brought together some of SA’s most talented comedians and Jozi’s media elite for a comedy shake-up. The special preview event of the Aromat Loxion Comedy Series introduced the media to the comedy show with a mouth-watering local flavour, and the delicious duo Aromat and Egg, who are on a mission to liberate South Africa through laughter.

Aromat found a natural partner in the Loxion Comedy Series to create the rib-tickling and tasty event, because South Africans love to laugh – and our sense of humour as a nation has become part of our identity. The same is true of Aromat, a staple on SA tables everywhere. A special feature of the comedy series is the mix of established big-name comedians with those who are rising stars, giving newcomers a chance to showcase their acts. For the media preview event, headliners Felix Hlophe, Tall-A$$ Mo, Skhumba Hlophe and Celeste Ntuli delighted the audience, leaving them in stitches with sharp observations about the lighter side of living in SA. The ambassadors of the Comedy Series, Egg and his favourite condiment companion Aromat also brought their irresistibly zesty sense of humour to the stage.

“The atmosphere after the show was fantastic,” commented Aromat Marketing Manager Jabulile Mthethwa. “This is exactly what we had hoped for. People were amazed at how refreshed they felt after a night of smiles and laughter. We wanted to shake things up with Aromat – and we accomplished that in style” The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series will be hosting an event open to the public on the 6th of June in Soweto, at the Soweto Theatre. Tickets are R120 each and are available now from Computicket. For more information go to www.computicket.co.za or contact Sandile Dlamini on 031 765 1381 / 0791045510

The post The Aromat Loxion Comedy Series had audiences shaking with laughter at a special media preview event From appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/06/02/aromat-loxion-comedy-series-audiences-shaking-laughter-special-media-preview-event/feed/ 0
Vintage Lounge and Dankie San Present Cash Time Life http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/30/vintage-lounge-dankie-san-present-cash-time-life-2/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/30/vintage-lounge-dankie-san-present-cash-time-life-2/#comments Fri, 30 May 2014 10:24:34 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1021 Vintage Lounge and Dankie San Present Cash Time Life ONLY one more Night left till Cash Time Life is taking..

The post Vintage Lounge and Dankie San Present Cash Time Life appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Vintage Lounge and Dankie San Present Cash Time Life

ONLY one more Night left till Cash Time Life is taking place make sure you sleep so you can be up nice and early for the soccer tournament before the big event in the evening, remember R30 gets you in before 8pm catch Cash Time (KO,Maggz,Kid X and Ma E) and Zerro Degrees and Benonies Local Dj Phunky Punk,Vusi,Legodi & Hip hop DJ One.this is one you don’t want to miss, follow Danie San and Vintage Lounge on twitter @TeamDankie and @VintageLyfstyle SEE YOU TOMORROW

The post Vintage Lounge and Dankie San Present Cash Time Life appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/30/vintage-lounge-dankie-san-present-cash-time-life-2/feed/ 0
Kabelo Mabelane to Host Brand New Show #PlayYourPart a Brand South Africa Initiative http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/27/kabelo-mabelane-host-brand-new-show-playyourpart-brand-south-africa-initiative/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/27/kabelo-mabelane-host-brand-new-show-playyourpart-brand-south-africa-initiative/#comments Tue, 27 May 2014 17:12:42 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=1002 Kabelo Mabelane to Host Brand New Show #PlayYourPart a Brand South Africa Initiative As South Africa celebrates 20 years of..

The post Kabelo Mabelane to Host Brand New Show #PlayYourPart a Brand South Africa Initiative appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Kabelo Mabelane to Host Brand New Show #PlayYourPart a Brand South Africa Initiative

As South Africa celebrates 20 years of democracy, A truly inspiring South African 13 part, 48 minute magazine TV show titled PLAY YOUR PART, débuts live on SABC 2 on Sunday 15 June 2014. Kabelo Mabelane has demonstrated how he has played his part over the years and is the perfect host for this exciting series aimed at inspiring and igniting South Africans to take action and make a difference in their communities.

“The PLAY YOUR PART TV series” created by Brand South Africa, will be screened weekly on Sunday nights from 15 June 2014 on SABC 2 at 21h00 for 24 weeks with a repeat on an alternative SABC channel.

The show aims to make a positive impact towards the growth and development of South Africans by profiling and showcasing the achievements of ordinary individuals across a broad spectrum of disciplines, who inspire the notion of active citizenship in our country especially over the last 20 years and how their continued efforts, have contributed to our now 20 years of democracy.

The 48 minute show will explore the remarkable journeys of struggle, obstacles, successes, triumph, sometimes tragedy and ultimately finding solutions and creating legacies. “With extensive research, archive footage and interviews, this show will positively contribute to our vision as a country in communicating efforts about transforming society and uniting the country, individuals that fight corruption and building safer communities, reforming public service, improving health care, quality of education, training, innovation and continue promoting active citizenry, where we create a South African society and shared vision towards a better life for all,” says Executive Producer Katie Mohamed.

At the end of each episode there will be a cohesive message and challenge to the viewers to “PLAY THEIR PART” through a call to action.

Brand South Africa’s Director: Strategic Marketing and Communications Ms Wendy Tlou says, “Brand South Africa is pleased to be a part of this initiative aimed at creating a spirit of active citizenship, pride and patriotism in our country. We have much to be proud of during our last 20 years of democracy, but it is time for us all to coalesce around our National Development Plan, Vision 2030, which aims to ensure South Africa’s economic and social growth and development. Active citizenship, pride and patriotism will be crucial in driving the implementation of the Vision 2030 by all stakeholders.”

“I am of the conviction that ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary work should be profiled for the sole reason of inspiring others that they too can make a difference and play their part in moving the country forward,” says Kabelo Mabelane.

The post Kabelo Mabelane to Host Brand New Show #PlayYourPart a Brand South Africa Initiative appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/27/kabelo-mabelane-host-brand-new-show-playyourpart-brand-south-africa-initiative/feed/ 0
Hospitality Has Never Been This Smart http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/23/hospitality-never-smart/ http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/23/hospitality-never-smart/#comments Fri, 23 May 2014 15:24:40 +0000 http://bookofswag.co.za/?p=975 Hospitality Has Never Been This Smart The hospitality industry is under constant pressure to adapt to rapidly changing economic, social..

The post Hospitality Has Never Been This Smart appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
Hospitality Has Never Been This Smart

The hospitality industry is under constant pressure to adapt to rapidly changing economic, social and technology climates in order to deliver the highest levels of service to a mercurial market. Trends dominating the 2014 landscape for this industry are not hard to interpret – the millenials are travelling and they demand technology, speed, efficiency, service and experiences.

“The modern traveller is prepared to become a fiercely loyal customer, but they are quick to catch mistakes and are put off by mediocre quality and service,” says Mike Van Lier, Divisional Head of Enterprise Business Team (EBT) at Samsung Electronics SA. “Recent research has shown that the new generation of consumers want speed and their needs attended to. They will speak out if none of this happens over the course of their stay.”

The IBM Hotel 2020 Hospitality Paradox Study showed that while 68% of travellers see little or no difference between various hotel chains, they will pay a 10% premium to stay in their favourite hotel. This means that good business is differentiating your venue from the one next door.

The hospitality industry has to allow for seamless booking, checking in or out, connectivity and variety. On top of increasingly strict grading regulations, they are facing a wall of critics in the form of Twitter, Facebook, TripAdvisor and more. The TV may be too small, the Wi-Fi too costly or patchy, or the check in processes can be a tedious exercise.

“The evolution of technology and social media means that customers are well informed about the features and qualities of any given destination. They select a hotel, entertainment and holiday destination based on reviews and social recommendations. In order to keep up with this rapidly changing market, venues need to invest in an infrastructure that can deliver personalised services, seamless communications and standardised operations,” says Van Lier.

There are offerings that have been developed in line with these market trends, such as the Samsung Smart Hospitality range that gives guests greater control over their stay, from checking in and out, as well as the ability to personalise and customise their experience. This technology is more than just a cluster of devices; it is a complete hospitality ecosystem.

“The Samsung Smart Hospitality range was built to deliver on three essential promises – to improve the guest experience, capture the attention of empowered customers and streamline hospitality operations,” says Van Lier. “We have cutting edge hospitality TVs, LFDs, mobile solutions, printers and devices that work seamlessly together to deliver on these three pillars.”

Locations that take advantage of technology can interact with these customers with a better understanding, using the gathered data to increase the number of customer touch points. The information generated can then be used to further personalise and fine-tune customer service and interaction, thereby boosting brand affinity and gaining a better understanding of the target market.

Already in possession of significant global contracts such as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Armani Hotel in Dubai, Samsung is also bringing its brand of hospitality technology to South Africa.

“We will be showcasing our range at Hostex 2014 in Cape Town this year and will be demonstrating how it can revolutionise the way in which hospitality environments cater to their guests,” says Van Lier. “Samsung’s Smart Hospitality range allows customers far more control over how they interact with technology while staying over, as well as allowing for the hotel to build their brand by transforming and personalising the customer’s experience.”

The array of solutions on offer from Samsung can also be integrated into the overall working of the site so employees are given greater mobility and can work more efficiently, thereby streamlining hospitality operations. Samsung’s products are among the most cost-effective on the market, as they are energy efficient, easily adapted to work within existing infrastructure and boast centralised system management features. Better functionality, lower total cost of ownership and improved operations come as standard with the Samsung hospitality range.

“The hospitality industry requires that its technology investments are built for the long term, capable of handling extensive usage while also delivering on the very latest in convenience and features,” says Van Lier. “Tourism in South Africa has seen remarkable growth and development as the emerging middle-class and slowly reviving economy kick-start the travel market. We have been paying attention to these trends and have created offerings in our Samsung Smart Hospitality range that improve the interaction between guest and venue and help both to get the most out of the experience.”

* http://press.hotels.com/en-gb/hotel-price-index/

The post Hospitality Has Never Been This Smart appeared first on Book Of Swag.

]]>
http://bookofswag.co.za/2014/05/23/hospitality-never-smart/feed/ 0