MAKING CSI MATTERAt Trialogue, our mission is to ensure that the annual Making CSI Matter conference provides delegates with the new and inspired thinking, ultimately leading to improved practice and effectiveness of corporate social investment (CSI). CSI is facing massive challenges with only limited resources and yet must deal with high expectations of those hoping to benefit from contributions made. It is therefore essential that corporates, government and civil society convene to explore what is working, what is not, and how we can work together to ensure that every precious rand spent by companies on development is used to good effect. The constantly evolving context of funding patterns, legislations, social issues and development innovation makes it essential that CSI practitioners convene regularly – otherwise, our responses will not be relevant. Making CSI Matter is the largest gathering of individuals and organisations engaged in corporate social investment in South Africa, with more than 350 delegates attending annually. THE FORMATThe two-day conference offers a variety of engagement sessions, providing sponsors and delegates with plentiful opportunities for profiling, learning and sharing. A combination of keynote speakers, plenary panels and collaborative breakaways enable delegates to absorb and build on the knowledge shared. Plenary presentations – designed to inspire and provide perspectives on how the CSI environment is impacted by broad trends and the macro environment. Plenary panel discussions – designed to provide two or three different perspectives on each of the chosen themes (as described below), allow questions from delegates and time for further debate from the panel. The debates will be facilitated by well-known radio personality and CEO of Dreamfields, John Perlman. Break-away sessions – designed to provide more practical examples of working practice and an opportunity for delegates to discuss outcomes in groups and feedback their insights. More specifically:
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THE THEMEUsing the National Planning Commission's National Development Plan – with its vision for South Africa in 2030 – as an over-arching theme, the conference will aim to emphasise the importance of adopting a long term perspective and highlight ways in which CSI programmes can accommodate this. Our four sub-themes will be addressed either through the use of case study examples. Progressive learning – CSI is a complex environment, prone to interventions that don't work out as planned, often to the detriment of those we intend helping. The conference will highlight the importance of sharing experiences, not only of what is working but what is not. Collaboration and partnerships with government (and others) – The ability to make a sustained impact is largely dependent on our ability to work with others and to contribute in areas where we are most equipped to do so. Alignment with corporate interest – CSI is unique in its requirement to serve both the interests of development and those of the business. The conference will seek to uncover and examples of how both corporate and developmental interests can be served in a balanced and transparent manner. Understanding and respecting community interests – This is an essential part of the CSI puzzle: Communities are best positioned to know their own developmental needs, while the success of any CSI programme is dependent on community buy-in. CONFIRMED SPEAKERSConference speakers include: Mary Metcalfe of DBSA, Roger Matlock of GM Foundation, Nic Dawes of the Mail & Guardian, Louise van Rhyn of Symphonia, Nomsa Masuku of Standard Bank and Bridgit Evans of GreaterGood. Well-known radio personality and CEO of Dreamfields, John Perlman, will facilitate the plenary panel debates, making for a lively engagement with the issues. We are in the process of finalising several more high-profile speakers. Please watch our website, www.csimatters.co.za, for updates to the programme. VENUE AND TIMINGThis fifth Making CSI Matter conference will be held at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg. The conference will offer an extensive array of activities utilising the following:
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REGISTRATION FEESThe registration fees for the conference have been maintained in relation to other similar events. Rates for NGO attendance are substantially discounted and the sponsorship packages encourage support for development practitioners from the non-profit sector to attend. Corporate and government: R5 950 (excl Vat) Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs): R2 950 (excl Vat) REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED ACCOMMODATIONIMPORTANT NOTE: Trialogue will not be arranging or overseeing any delegate travel or accommodation needs. The Protea Hotel Wanderers is again offering Making CSI Matter conference delegates preferential rates. This is subject to availability of rooms at the time of booking. When contacting the Protea Hotel Wanderers, please quote the booking code TRI to reservations in order to qualify for the preferential rate. Please book your accommodation requirements early to avoid disappointment.  |
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Further information will be updated weekly. |
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