Conference to remember

For 57 years the Professional Movers’ Association (PMA) has set professional standards for the South African removals industry. This year, the Association’s AGM and Congress took place at Sun City

As the PMA is the premier association for more than 90 top national movers in South Africa, its members are required to comply with certain minimum standards, so that their clients are guaranteed superior service that is professional, safe, timely and fair in practice and cost.

Opportunities such as the annual Congress are, therefore, imperative for members to keep up to date with current and future issues and engage in critical networking and knowledge sharing. According to the PMA’s 2016/17 president, Ian Pettey, Congress 2016 was a memorable one for members and a great success overall.

“With a relatively new executive board, bringing in new, creative and fresh ideas, we can only enhance what has already been built up within the PMA in the past. With all that is going on around us in South Africa, and worldwide, PMA members need to embrace change and respect best business practices,” explains Pettey.

While the official business session took place only on the first morning, it was one of the most important aspects of the Congress. There were also a few inspiring addresses for the members.

“Our first guest speaker, Carolyn Steyn, gave a very interesting talk on her 67 Blankets for Mandela project… She is the wife of billionaire Douw Steyn. Through her project she has got many men and women knitting and crocheting blankets for the needy! She has even got prisoners crocheting blankets for her…

“She has got her blankets into the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest blanket in the world, which was done at the Union Buildings and a wine estate in Cape Town,” Pettey comments.

The second guest speaker, John Black, spoke about his conquering of Mount Everest!

While much networking took place at the Lost City Golf Club, where the annual PMA Social Golf Day took place, it was the cocktail party and the amazing Mercedes-Benz Trucks Gala Dinner that had delegates dressed to the nines.

“A special word of thanks to all of our conference sponsors – without their ongoing support this congress would not be possible. I would also like to thank our organising committee, under the leadership of Mel Potgieter and Davene Pitallo, and her team from Eventpro, for a very well organised Congress.

“Many have come back to thank us for a very memorable event and we look forward to next year,” concludes Pettey.