Making a splash

The annual Professional Movers Association (PMA) Congress delivered a mix of fun and business for its delegates. TONY MILLS reports.

The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in Port Elizabeth, was the venue for the 2014 PMA Congress. Port Elizabeth, known as the “windy city”, contradicted its reputation and gave the delegates almost perfect conditions for the duration of the congress.

Thursday, registration day, was followed by a Hawaiian evening, held at the pool deck, complete with a Hula Hula competition, kindly sponsored by PETport.

Friday morning saw the business side of the congress take place in the conference hall. Delegates were entertained by two motivational speakers; Myan Subrayan, with his “Never give up – the best lies ahead” presentation and Wolfgang Riebe who presented “Discover your magic”. Both presentations were filled with humour and each carried its own message of inspiration.

Sponsors were also given the opportunity to showcase their products and give updates on the latest developments in the industry.

In the evening, a trip around the bay on board the cruise boat, the Jester, included the “Pirates of the Caribbean” dress-up theme party, with splendid costumes worn by the enthusiastic delegates. The prize for the best-dressed couple went to Johan and Maryna Muller. Shaft Packaging kindly sponsored the wine for the cruise. The only casualties reported were a couple of queasy tummies caused by motion sickness!

Saturday dawned with perfect weather for the golfing event held at Wedgewood Golfing Estate, some 30 km west of Port Elizabeth. Sponsored by MiX Telematics, the competition took on new rules of engagement. The golfers were responsible for getting the ball from the tee to the green; the non-golfers then took over and had to finish off with the putter.

Non-golfers were, therefore, more than just spectators; they were participants sharing in the fun and excitement that goes with the game. Judging from some of the antics on the green, it was evident that the desired mix of camaraderie and enjoyment had been achieved.

The prize giving was held later that evening at the “Phantom of the Opera Ball”, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, and what a wonderful event it turned out to be! Once again, stunning costumes were on show. Those not dressed for the theme were impeccably turned out in formal evening dress, giving the event an “oldie world” feeling.

During the evening, numerous merit awards were handed out to sponsors and partners, the grand prize being the presentation of a key for a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS/36 for a three-month period, which was handed over to the lucky winner, Ian Pettey, by Mpho Nkhumeleni, national sales manager, Mercedes-Benz Truck Division.

Biddulphs International was also presented with a certificate in recognition for its loyal and longstanding support of the PMA and its Congress.

Martin Oosthuizen delivered the PMA President’s report in which he highlighted the achievements made by PMA during the year.

Oosthuizen also gave a special thanks to all the sponsors that supported this year’s Congress: Mercedes-Benz, MiX Telematics, AMI, Pets en Transit, Trudon/Yellow Pages, Fuso, MSC, Volvo, PETport, Shaft Packaging and Boxlee.

At the conclusion of the President’s report, sincere thanks were extended to Congress coordinator Catherine Larkin and her amazing team at CVLC, for keeping the event running smoothly and taking so much pressure off the PMA National Executive.