blackjack events corporate brochure

FIT FOR EVERY FUNCTION

BlackJack Events

An event is a statement. Whether it’s a corporate or a private function, a seminar or a concert the design and thought put into your event is crucial to the experience of your guests. In South Africa, one of the most varied and cross-cultured nations in the world, being a success in this industry requires an insight into what customers want tempered with the know-how on how to deliver. Donnie Rust catches up with co-founder and director, Warren Bryce-Borthwick.

From the left: Dave de Jong, Warren Bryce-Borthwick and Simon Gibson

BlackJack Events

“In 1999 I started working as a waiter for a caterer,” Warren describes, “I gained a lot of valuable experience and industry know-how which paved the way to start my own business. In 2004 Dave de Jong, Simon Gibson and myself founded Black Jack Events initially as a staffing company for catering events.”

Their offerings have expanded since those early days and now they are a full service eventing, venue management and event consulting company. Based in Bryanston, Johannesburg they pride themselves on the attention to detail and an open approach to any eventing idea.

“We offer a full event solution, whereby allowing our clients to sit back and relax at their event knowing they are safe in the hands of professionals,” Warren explains, “Our services and expertise include Event Planning and Design, Décor, Hiring, Event Infrastructure, Catering, Bar Service, Event Service Staff, Technical, Transport and Accommodation,”

The niche thrust of BlackJack Events comes from the

experience of the three co-founders and directors who have worked at all levels of the event industry ranging from the grass roots level of catering staff all the way up through to design and implementation. This has made them a one-stop shop for customers seeking a memorable and successful event.

“Employee training is very important to us,” Warren points out, “We manage a venue in Morningside, Johannesburg which allows us to train our support staff specifically to our business requirements. Once a week we train our staff to reinforce the relative fundamentals of waitering, bartending and client services.”

Their 15 permanent and 150 contract staff have gained extensive experience from serving a wide variety of corporate and private clients and therefore have become accustomed to various cultures and protocol. A strict code of conduct has been developed and is adhered to. Staff hours are captured and signed by the client on timesheets supplied by BlackJack

BlackJack Events

Events and these are used as proof of hours worked for both clients and staff.

“During the recession customers have become very discerning to what they want at their events,” Warren points out, “They are budget conscious but still need the professional standard and high quality we can provide to them.”

With a client list that includes Investec Group and Private Bank, Alexander Forbes, VISA, Ogilvy, Werksmans Attorneys, British American Tobacco, GrowthPoint, BMW and Atlas Copco they are clearly doing something right.

BlackJack Events staff have served both International and South African celebrities, captains of industry and numerous VIP local and international guests, additionally, they had the privilege of managing and staffing various hospitality suites at Ellis Park, Loftus and Soccer City for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, supplying Staff for President Jacob Zuma’s Inauguration Banquet as well as traveling with 50 staff members to Bahrain to assist a string of international companies with The Royal Wedding.

“South Africa has been behind on the events industry,” Warren reveals, “And now things are catching up very fast. Events are being used as fashion statements and need innovative designs. Making use of the latest technologies, mobile apps and keeping close to styling trends. Customers want innovation they want to feel that they are ahead.”

Knowing what trends are moving the industry on an international scale enables BlackJack Events to stay ahead of their competitors and to give them a good scope on how to satisfy customer needs.

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BlackJack Events

“Trends move in waves. Neons and inflatable tents are popular at the moment, while many clients are moving towards “greener” décor elements” Warren says, “But it’s important to be able to provide whatever is asked for. Whether it’s Bedouin Tents, Inflatable Marquees, Frame Marquees, we offer them all. We also offer Lounge Suites, Cocktail Furniture, Formal Furniture, Cutlery, Crockery and linen.”

“Many parts go into a successful event,” Warren says, “You have to get the venue set up just right, then you need the sort of entertainment, be it music or live acts that will engage the guests properly. South Africa is also a food orientated nation.”

Top South African caterers work with BlackJack Events. With their expert menu design and creative flare, they compliment any special functions with fantastic fare. From casual spit braais and buffets, to elaborate canapé parties or plated dinners. Taking all the legwork away from their customers BlackJack Events also source and manage entertainment, power, audio and visual technology and sound and lighting requirements.

“Like I said a one-stop shop.”The beauty of companies like BlackJack Events is that

they remove all the preparation stress from the customer and give them the perfect excuse to enjoy themselves with their guests. And as the corporate environment swings towards live interaction they will be in very high demand due to their professionalism and quality.

BlackJack Eventswww.blackjackevents.co.za+27 11 463 1899

Written by Donnie Rust

www.littlegatepublishing.com

blackjack events corporate brochure

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