Launch of the new BMW 3-Series

The launch of the new BMW 3-Series last November was a monumental occasion that displayed the synergy of the Felix Unite Group at its best. Five months earlier, Catering's Steve Glass was the first to get involved when event managers VWV asked him to create a cornucopia of delicious dishes. As the scope of the operation became apparent, he volunteered the services of Tours, Vehicle Hire and Production Support. Finally, with less than a month to go, Chameleon Indabas was brought in to coordinate the Felix Unite team and oversee the whole production.

Over five days, approximately 1,200 clients were flown by chartered plane daily from Johannesburg to Cape Town. They were whisked straight to the BMW Pavilion in the Waterfront for a presentation in the IMAX theatre and the unveiling of the BMW range, from the earliest model to the latest.

After a buffet lunch, guests were shown to their rooms at the exclusive Villa Via hotel. Each couple spent the afternoon driving a brand-new BMW 3-Series round the coast to Simon's Town. At the naval base, they were met by their chauffeur and escorted onto the SAS Drakensberg for cocktails.

After sundowners, they crossed into the dry dock to find a carpeted banquet hall that appeared to be floating! At the superb three-course dinner, guests were presented with such mouth-watering delights. The spectacular entertainment featured a 3D laser light show and culminated in a display of tightrope walking over the dry dock to the sounds of Carmina Burana provided by a full orchestra and choir of 90 soaring voices. For the finale, the sleek new BMWs appeared seemingly from under water, driving out from under the stage with their headlights beaming through the fountains to a blaze of accompanying fireworks. 

This extravagant event became a full Felix Unite Group production which required a huge staff of waiters, managers, barmen and stewards, plus porters to cope with the vast amount of crockery and cutlery to be counted each evening. Just managing the wine and beer for all three functions, as well as ordering and refrigerating stock, was a full-time job. With a staff complement of 200 and an ever-changing mandate, Chameleon Indabas' strong coordination and calm management skills were vital.  

Opel Incentive

A top-class program of events was devised by Felix Unite Tours and Chameleon Indabas for a group of 270 Opel executives from Germany. In Cape Town, they were welcomed with magnificent sunset cocktails on Signal Hill. Other highlights were a sumptuous picnic on the Cape Peninsula's longest, whitest beach, and a rollicking Cape Malay farewell party at the V&A Waterfront. 

Brown & Forman

Brown & Forman, which manages Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort and other brands, held its international marketing conference in South Africa. Chameleon Indabas coordinated the 38 delegates. After two days in Cape Town, the group went to Thornybush Game Reserve for Ian Shubach's "Power of the Pride" presentation: this makes an analogy between a pride of lions and the survival of a business. Back in the Mother City, the group had a farewell beach party at Llandudno. Brown & Forman managing director John Cooke said, "Chameleon Indabas went beyond expectations in creating a lifelong memory."

Young Presidents' Organization

An international group of YPO members and their families enjoyed a unique experience and a spectacular Christmas lunch organized by Chameleon Indabas. Early on Christmas morning, chartered planes flew the 80 guests to Bushmanskloof, a private nature reserve in the Cedarberg. The group enjoyed game drives, abseiling, garden walks, as well as a presentation and guided tours of the San rock art sites. Lunch was a gastronomic delight, followed by the arrival by parachute of three Father Christmases who distributed gifts amid much hugging and cheering. 
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Lions Club International

Cape Town was chosen by Lions Club International as one of six international cities to host World Sight Day. Chameleon Indabas was asked to organize the local event, aimed at creating awareness about preventing blindness. It was held at Groote Schuur Hospital where marquees were erected in the Palm Courtyard. After the speeches, Springbok cricketer Gary Kirsten handed over old glasses to the Lions Club for distribution in disadvantaged communities. Guests enjoyed a delicious spread by Felix Unite Catering while listening to the tunes of an African marimba band. 

Body Heat

A British crew traveled to Cape Town to film the final of a primetime television series that sought to find the nation's fittest couple. Chameleon Indabas set up six physically grueling events amidst spectacular cape scenery in which the three finalist couples competed for the coveted title. Program producer Patricia Pearson, who had filmed finals in Spain and Atlanta, USA, said: "In the four years we've been filming Body Heat we have never experienced such excellent organization, such smooth running of events, and such fun." 

Toyota Launch 

The Cape Town Launch of Toyota's Mega-Cruiser and the prestigious National Launch of the Corolla Rsi were both organized by Chameleon Indabas. Sixty journalists were flown to the Cape and accommodated at the luxurious Table Bay Hotel at the V & A Waterfront. From there, they were taken on a cruise across the harbor at sunset to view the Corolla, displayed in lights on the North Quay. But the highlight of the launch was the opportunity to get behind the wheel of 40 of the brand new vehicles during a West Coast breakfast rally. 

Mike Lester, regional general manager of Toyota SA Marketing, said: "Chameleon Indabas have an excellent understanding of our business requirements. They are efficient and reliable, no matter how different or unusual the assignment. It is a pleasure to work with them." 

Savanna Up The Creek Musical Festival

1000 local music lovers trek to Felix Unite Breede River bush camp, "Up The Creek", every January and August. Sponsored by the Stellenbosch Farmers' Winery since 1991 (under brand names Martell and Savanna), Chameleon Indabas has transformed the party from a small gathering of friends to a major commercial event on the South African music scene. Accommodation in ox-wagons, spectacular scenery and a communal spit-roast, in addition to the terrific line-up of top South African bands, make this a unique event.