May 22, 2017

FIA awards changes excite the industry

With the #2017FIAAwards around the corner on 8 June 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre, we sat down with CN&CO’s Allan Bader to make sure we know what’s what! With CN&CO helping to arrange the event (Rikus Kok and team are excited …) and many of CN&COs clients and friends being in the insurance market, we know that Allan is the man with all the answers. A bit like …

Q: ​What time is the event?

A: 16:00 to 20:30​. Or for those who need that said differently: 4pm to 8.30pm.

​Q: Why is the time different?

A: Listening to member feedback and the repetitive nature of many industry events, the FIA is testing a new format. If attendees want a big night out, there are great spots around the venue to arrange dinners and after parties. For those attendees who want an early night or more family time, 8.30 is a respectable hour to finish​ (give me a shout if you want some recommendations on post-function venues – and of course you are welcome to join Kurt, Josie, me and rest of the CN&CO team!)

Q: Where is the #2017FIAAwards?

A: Sandton Convention Centre. Pavilion Room on the fifth floor.

Q: I’ve heard it is a cocktail party, whats with that?

A: ​Yes​, you are correct.​ CEO Lizelle van der Merwe​ and her team and board has wanted to shake things up ​this year and ​give attendees a different experience. Still special and classy – but different and exciting.

Q: ​Is this a cocktail party that happens before the main awards evening?

A: Nope, it is THE awards function where all the winners for the vario​us categories will be announced.​ No major speeches and waste of time – just solid networking, nice food and drinks, amazing company, recognition of winners – and maybe one or two surprises 🙂 And perhaps I’ll be shaking my booty.​

Q: Is it a black tie affair?

A: If you want it to be!

Q: Okay then ​smarty pants, what IS the dress code?

A: With the awards function starting at 16:00, most people will be coming directly from work. So the dress code is business casual. If you’d like to wear a penguin suit, there is nothing wrong. Ladies love a man in a suit.​ And ladies wanting to be a bit more formal – I can’t wait.​

Q: I’ve rec​ei​ved my invite but there is no cost stated on it?

A: That’s right. The FIA has ​confirmed National ​Partners in IUM, H​ollard, Tracker, Liberty Co​rporate and SASRIA​- these generous companies and other sponsors have footed the bill for all invitees. H​ow cool are they?!​ Can I hear a big THANKS?!​

Q: Yeah, that is pretty sweet. Can​ I invite other people from my company?

A: ​All invites have been sent – to FIA members, nominees, FIA friends and suppliers and guests of the CEO and board. So everyone from your company should have had their invites. That being said – people move, admin slip-ups happen and if anyone wants to attend and hasn’t yet received an invite, please email myself (allan@cnandco.com) and Llani from FIA and we’ll assist.

Q: Fair enough. So I’ve received my invite but my company usually does the booking for me. ​C​an ​I still let them?

A: If you’ve received an invite, you yourself need to respond by clicking on the appropriate box on the email invite to advise the FIA if you will be attending or not. Go on, be a decent person and respond if you will make it. Even if you are declin​ing the event, please ​do so now​ – with limited space, we need a yes or no – go on, do it NOW!

Q: How have the winners been decide​d​?

A: ​Through a vigorous process which has had much scientific validation. Check it out here.

Q: The winners usually know they h​ave won before the event. Is this the case this year​?​

A: ​There we go, you’re getting it now. Things HAVE changed and NO the winner will only find out on the night that they have won. How exciting does it make the function now? It’ll make the win that much sweeter.​ In fact, only AskAfrika and the FIA CEO know the winners. And good luck getting Lizelle to spill the beans – it’s not going to happen!​

Q: Who are the finalists?

A: Check here for the full list of finalist for all ten categories

Q: What else do I need to know?

A: Well, a cash bar is available. You will be fed. Speaking of food, if you have special dietary requirements, you will be able to note that ​when you respond on the invite. There is great entertainment and a whole bunch of networking will be taking place. PinkDrive is the charity that is being supported again. You will have an opportunity to support them in a cool way.

Q: Not so much a question but more of a thank you for letting us know about the revised event.

A: Not so much an answer but cool, we’re g​lad to have helped. Should you have any further questions feel free to ask here.