Saphila 2014: a resounding success

Coming to a close on Wednesday 11 June, there is no doubt that the African SAP User Group's (AFSUG) Saphila 2014 conference exceeded all expectations. This is the sentiment of newly appointed AFSUG chairman, Sal Laher, who explained that the reinvention of the entire Saphila concept meant that the 2014 event provided a different, yet immensely valuable, experience for partners, sponsors and delegates. Not only did this year's event shatter previous records, it also allowed AFSUG to introduce a number of new and exciting elements to the conference format.

"From the unique outdoor exhibition area and auditorium set against a mountainous backdrop, called 'Saphilatown', the four dynamic keynotes that included a highly respected international strategist and author as well as one of Africa's top motivational speakers, to two phenomenal evening events, these 'firsts' all added to the distinctiveness of the new and improved Saphila," he explains. "Saphila 2014 also marked the very first time that Gartner has collaborated with AFSUG, to provide indispensable information on the general technology landscape in addition to the partner, SAP and customer tracks.

"For the first time in the history of Saphila, the number of customers attending this year's event exceeded the number of partners," says Laher. "In fact, of almost 1 400 delegates at Saphila 2014, we can announce that more than 1 000 of these were SAP customers from across the African continent. This stands testament to our new, more focused approach to Saphila, which was to provide a more streamlined and, ultimately, valuable experience for all attendees."

In the lead up to the event, sponsorship opportunities were snapped up so quickly that, for the first time ever, sponsorships had to be closed early. Similarly, attendance of the Saphila 2014 golf day, that took place on Sunday 8 June, was record breaking.

The event's inaugural Executive Forum was equally well received, with more than 100 CxO-level executives signing up for an exclusive Saphila experience that provided a specific mini-agenda, including access to additional events, specialist one-on-one sessions and an executive lounge overlooking the Saphilatown auditorium.

Laher took the opportunity during his keynote address to introduce the new AFSUG board to audience members, announcing the appointment of Sasol's Alec Joannou, Bradley Coward of Sappi, Linda Swanepoel of Afrox, Franc Barak of Standard Bank, Transnet's Mandla Mkhwanazi, Ian Brown from Exxaro, Paolo Masselli from Britehouse, Tinus Wagner of TWC and UCS-Solutions' Reg Barry as board members. These board members represent some of the biggest brand names in South Africa and provide an excellent industry cross section, from finance and energy to technology and mining, he says.

"SAP Africa Chief Customer Officer, Simon Carpenter, although not an AFSUG board member due to the user group's policy of complete user independence, will continue to support AFSUG as SAP Liaison Officer."

Laher also unveiled AFSUG's newly designed logo and revealed that the user group was working towards establishing official chapters within both West and East Africa.

In keeping with the conference's underlying theme of "transformation", Laher announced that the 34 refurbished shipping containers used to create Saphilatown, were to be handed over to Skills Village 2030, a practical framework for workplace experience that uses festivals and events to identify commodities, goods, services and experiences that are unique to the local community and bring them to market. The containers, which were purchased from AFSUG by Skills Village 2030 for the sum total of R1, will be used as training rooms for skills development.

"Not only this, but the unique cardboard chairs sponsored by Britehouse that were used within the Saphilatown auditorium are being donated to three local schools. Furthermore, the Saphilatown table coverings will be given by TWC to Managed Executive Services, who will reuse the specialised material for hand bags and tablet covers, with all proceeds raised here to be used for the rehabilitation of homeless people in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.

"From start to finish, Saphila 2014 has been an event of which AFSUG should be exceptionally proud," Laher continues. "Our biggest issue now is how we can top this year's conference in 2016."