Client Overview

The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) is a leading industry association established in 2002. It represents over 12,000 member companies across the consumer goods, retail, and services sectors. As a pivotal advocate for ethical practices, industry standards, and consumer rights, CGCSA significantly contributes to South Africa’s economy—accounting for approximately 18.4% of the national GDP, equivalent to over R740 billion. The organization also champions sustainability initiatives, notably addressing food loss and waste, to promote social responsibility and responsible industry conduct.

Challenge

In 2021, amidst the global shift to digital engagement caused by the pandemic, CGCSA needed to adapt its flagship event—the Annual Summit—to an online format. The key objectives were to:

  • Deliver a seamless virtual conference experience.
  • Streamline registration, payment, and communication processes.
  • Maintain high stakeholder engagement.
  • Obtain detailed analytics on attendee behavior to inform future strategies.

Solution

In collaboration with SPACE, we designed and implemented a customized digital platform featuring:

  • An easy-to-navigate online conference website with integrated registration and secure payment gateways.
  • Automated confirmation and communication workflows.
  • Live engagement tools including chat, Q&A, and networking features.
  • Advanced analytics modules to track registration data, session participation, duration of attendance, and engagement metrics.

Our team supported CGCSA through all phases—from planning and deployment to post-event analysis—to ensure a smooth and scalable virtual event experience.

Results & Impact

  • Participant Engagement: The virtual summit attracted 650 registered users, with 646 completing the event, demonstrating strong stakeholder interest and adaptability.
  • Insightful Analytics: Detailed attendee data provided actionable insights into viewer behavior and session popularity, allowing CGCSA to tailor future offerings.
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduced administrative burdens and expanded reach beyond physical limitations.
  • Industry Leadership: The successful digital pivot reinforced CGCSA’s position as an innovative leader, prepared for future hybrid or fully virtual events.

Conclusion

This digital transformation not only maintained the integrity and engagement level of CGCSA’s Annual Summit during challenging times but also laid the foundation for ongoing digital innovation. The platform enabled data-driven decision-making and set a new standard for industry collaboration and advocacy in South Africa.


Conference:

https://youtu.be/zKHRPo4vhJ4?si=uFtTGNNJQt8LCm7T