Meet the Durban ICC’s Dynamic Duo
After many years the Durban ICC is proud to re-introduce a full-time sales team to their Marketing and Sales Department. Meet the Durban ICC’s new Marketing and Sales Executives – Nokukhanya Mbonambi and Robyn Turner. While both ladies will jointly be servicing the Centre’s Corporate clientele, Nokukhanya will be dealing with the Government and Municipal markets, and Robyn will be focusing on the Association segment.
They took some time out of their busy schedules to share what makes them tick!
Robyn Turner
What made you want to get into sales to begin with?
I actually studied Public Relations and was offered a position working under Lerina McCall, herself somewhat a legend in sales in our industry. I discovered I loved the challenge of sales and the opportunity to build strong, long standing relationships with my clients. I was also passionate about service and so a sales position in the service industry suited me perfectly. I believe every businesses success, revolves around sales and relationships.
How long have you been in the Business Events industry?
I have over 20 years’ experience, mainly in the hospitality and Business events industry.
In two or three sentences can you outline your career path to date?
I began with Protea Hotels, and quickly recognised that they had one of the best sales structures to learn from. After that Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) offered me outstanding opportunities, as I worked through corporate sales, association and international, eventually ending up in marketing. My time at Sun International gave me incredible insight into the events industry. I was privileged to work as part of the opening team of the SCC and Fairmont Zimbali Resort.
What are looking forward to in your new position at the Durban ICC?
The variety that the position has to offer (every day is different). I am excited about joining the leading conference and events venue in Africa, re-connecting with old clients, meeting new ones and grabbing every opportunity to exceed their expectations.
What special skill or ability do you feel you bring to the table?
My biggest strength is building trust with clients and I also naturally make good business decisions. I am confident these skills will stand me in good stead at the Durban ICC.
Nokukhanya Mbonambi
What made you want to get into sales to begin with?
I have been working in the Events Co-ordination Portfolio for over a decade now. Being at the Durban ICC for the past 9 years, I have had the pleasure to study our company brand inside out and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in numerous pioneer projects. The more I took interest in how multifunctional our facilities are the more the sales bug got the best of me. To me it’s not merely selling space it is helping make our clients’ dreams a reality.
How long have you been in the Business Events industry?
I have been in the events business for 14 years and have been in the hospitality business for a total of 17 years.
In two or three sentences can you outline your career path to date?
Three lines is too short for 14 years of experience! I started off as an assistant Food and Beverage Manager in a Beach Resort on the South Coast, being young I felt the South Coast was too laid back. So after that I fell in love with the concrete jungle, the city of gold Johannesburg. I took a job as a Banqueting Co-ordinator in a Casino Hotel, two years later I got an offer I could not resist back to Durban in one of the prestigious 5 Star hotels of that era.
Two years later I wanted to explore large scale events, so joined the Durban ICC as an Event Co-ordinator based at the Durban Exhibition Centre. I was promoted to a Senior Events Co-ordinator at the Durban ICC two years later. This is where the magic happened. The buzz and adrenalin on large scale events, concerts, international congresses, corporate events and concerts were the order of the day. This is where my career really started taking shape and I was privileged to work on some of the Centre’s most prestigious and complex events for the next seven years. When the opportunity to venture into the Marketing and Sales Division of the company presented itself, it was an opportunity I seized with both hands.
What are looking forward to in your new position at the Durban ICC?
I am looking forward to strengthening the company’s relations with both corporate and the public sectors. Partnering with various stakeholders to grow KZN’s Economy, creating jobs and leaving legacies along the way.
What special skill or ability do you feel you bring to the table?
This position requires a passionate and dedicated individual who has an ability to interact with all types of people from all walks of life. You must be highly competent, confident, articulate and goal driven. You also need to thrive on closing deals and I am fortunate to possess these qualities. I have an extensive operations and eventing background and this serves as a huge advantage in ensuring that I not only pay special attention to clients’ requirements but exceed their expectations on every event.