The response to the call for papers has been entirely positive and the Abstract Committee approved more than 60 academic papers for presentation at the 2014 International Winelands Conference.
The Programme for workshops on the first two days of the Conference (31 March and 01 April 2014) under the theme “Innovation in Practice” has now been confirmed.
These will include:
- The Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA) facilitating two days of presentations, debates and urban design workshops.
- A workshop on the Upgrading of Informal Settlements facilitated by the Community Organisation Resource Centre, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts, USA) together with the municipality of Stellenbosch and local residents.
- A workshop on e-governance and its role in improving service delivery.
- Managing the challenge of urbanisation. A joint two day workshop facilitated by the City of Cape Town and the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP). (to be confirmed)
- The Democratic Government and Rights Unit (DGRU) at the University of Cape Town facilitating a workshop on the National Development Plan (NDP) with a special focus on the capable state and the Combatting of Corruption.
On Wednesday, 2 April 2014 the entire Conference will be conducted in plenary and a number of prominent South African and international academics have confirmed their participation.
These include Professors Richard Hayward (UK), Aromar Revi (India), Roberta Ryan (Australia), Maarten Hajer (Netherlands), Jeni Vaaitsman (Brazil) and Mark Swilling (South Africa).
Full details may be found in the Conference programme.
On Thursday, 3 April, there will be four parallel sessions covering different aspects of innovation. In each of the parallel sessions twelve papers will be presented. Abstracts have been received from tertiary institutions in South Africa, Europe, the Americas and India. A large number of officials from all spheres of government and representatives of non-governmental organisations will also be presenting papers.
The abstract committee cannot consider any more abstracts as the Conference programme is fully subscribed.
The Conference concludes on Friday, 4 April 2014 with the presentation of three parallel sessions of academic papers, a workshop on managing, learning and communicating by two highly respected South African practitioners in this field and a final keynote address on leadership by a leading South African businessman.
A strong focus on innovative concepts
The topic of the Conference and the themes will form the basis for dynamic interaction between academics, practitioners and stakeholders dealing with this very topical subject. The conference will have a wide variety of themes relating to innovation and urbanisation which will all add value to the discourse on these issues. There will be a strong focus on innovative concepts that are pragmatic and implementable.
The 2014 Winelands Conference is significant because the year 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of democratic government in South Africa. In addition, the conference and its theme have significant linkages: Firstly, Cape Town has been designated as the World Design Capital (WDC) for 2014 and the Winelands Conference is a keynote project on the World Design Capital (WDC) 2014 calendar.
Secondly, the South African Government has adopted a long term vision referred to as the National Development Plan with the aim of reducing inequality and alleviating poverty by the year 2030. The conference will therefore explore innovative approaches to make this vision a reality.
Thirdly, Stellenbosch University has made a commitment to redress and development in the institution’s Hope Project, a university-wide initiative to seek solutions to major societal challenges such as eradicating poverty, contributing to human dignity and health, consolidating democracy and human rights, promoting peace and security, and balancing a sustainable environment with a competitive environment.
This 14th Winelands Conference, will once again be held in historic Stellenbosch, the university town with scenic oak-lined streets, elegant old architecture, a wonderful climate, magnificent tourist destinations and, of course, the world-famous wine estates, from which the Conference takes its name.
The 14th Winelands Conference is divided into two segments and programmes – The Pre Conference programme which takes place 31 March & 01 April 2014 followed by the Conference Sessions from 02 April to 04 April 2014.
The purpose of the pre-conference event is to showcase, illustrate, exhibit and workshop examples of creative and innovative approaches to dealing with the challenges of urbanisation and rural degradation. It comprises Opening and welcome Presentations, Workshops, Exhibitions, Evaluations and site visits.
The Innovation for the Urban Age conference will follow the conventional style and format of conferences and will include Plenaries, Breakaway sessions and Panel Discussions. It is an opportunity for leading national and international practitioners and academics to share creative ideas on how to address the challenges of a rapidly urbanising world in a sustainable manner, both from urban and rural perspectives.
Registration
Registration is now open. To register, please visit the conference website at www.winelandsconf2014.co.za and go to the Registration page to register online. Registrations may also be submitted to the Conference Secretariat at the contact details at the end of this document.
- Standard Rate - R 4 500.00
- Speaker Rate - R 3 500.00
Conference venue
The conference will be hosted at the beautiful and picturesque Spier Wine Estate conference venue situated in the heart of the Winelands in Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
Part of the pre-conference programme may also be held at other venues such as the School of Public Leadership (SPL), Bellville Park Campus.
For more information on the venue, please visit www.spier.co.za.
Accomodation
Rooms have been reserved onsite at the Spier Hotel in several price categories and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Village-style buildings, lush green lawns and spacious rooms situated next to the calming Eerste River are the defining characteristics of the 4 star Spier Hotel.
Room descriptions and rates are available on the conference website at www.winelandsconf2014.co.za.
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