Every year the SAIMC hosts an exclusive formal banquet that is a highlight on the calendar of the instrumentation industry in South Africa. This year the event once again lived up to its grand reputation.
Once again, the banquet was held at the prestigious Rand Club in Johannesburg. The Rand Club is different from many of the great facilities established abroad in the second half of the 1800s because of the turbulent social, political and financial background of Johannesburg. The Rand Club originated at the centre of what became the greatest goldfield the world has ever seen, filled with a cosmopolitan and colourful population, all drawn to the Transvaal by the glamour of gold and the dreams of fortune.
The black tie event commenced with registration and a welcoming sherry in the main bar reputed to have the longest counter in Africa. The 220 guests were then escorted up the double stairway to the dining room by pipers from the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. After a short formal introduction by members of the SAIMC Alex Harris, explorer extraordinaire addressed the guests.
Alex has been climbing mountains for almost 20 years and has led more than 20 expeditions to some of the furthest corners of the planet. In 1996, Alex resigned from a career in sales and followed his passion for exploration. Within the year he became the youngest person to lead an expedition to Mount Everest. He has climbed the seven summits, the highest mountains on all seven continents, and has led expeditions to both the north and the south side of Everest. On 17 January this year, Alex became the first South African to walk unsupported to the South Pole, a journey that took 65 days and covered almost 1200 km. Alex made this the subject of his after dinner presentation and he spoke with enthusiasm and passion of the hardships one faces in Antarctica and the power of the human spirit.
Seats were fully sold out indicating the high regard for this event. Next year is just around the corner so book early; this year the first three tables were sold by the end of January.
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