AC Hotels debuts leadership series in Africa

AC Hotels by Marriott marked the African debut of its thought-leadership series, AC Unpacked, at AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront on Sept. 26. The South African event was part of global program, launched in New York City last year, that brings together essentialists from around the world for panel discussions.

“The AC Unpacked series aims to connect with the AC guest who looks at travel as a way to nurture relationships with people, experiences and ideas, allowing guests to mingle with locals and hear interesting new perspectives while enjoying one of AC’s signature beverages at the end of the day,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Marriott International’s VP of premium and select brands, Middle East and Africa. “Home to an unrivaled selection of African contemporary art, Cape Town is an ideal destination to debut the series in Africa and highlight South Africa’s role in creating inspirational moments and drive the creative expression.”

The Cape Tape discussion centered around the topic of “Roots & Design.” Local food artist and photographer Caro Jesse De Waal moderated the discussion with panelists Mark Noble, a developer for the V&A Waterfront and the lead on the development of the Silo District, and Kelly Berman, head of communication of the Southern Guild gallery. The discussion looked at how South African talent fits into the global creative landscape and where local artists fit within the world of art, design and creative culture.

Past AC Unpacked panelists include fashion photographer Nigel Barker, founder of A Beautiful Perspective and the Life is Beautiful Festival Rehan Choudhry and founder/CEO of fashion lifestyle brand Gravitas Lisa Sun.

Additional iterations of the AC Unpacked series are planned for this year and beyond.

AC Hotels by Marriott currently has more than 150 hotels in more than 22 countries and territories.