Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 January 2023
Last Updated: 15 January 2025

 

Introduction

SA Innovation Summit (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to safeguarding your privacy. We are dedicated to handling your personal information in a responsible and lawful manner, complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable data protection laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you engage with us through our website (the “Site”) and our services.

 

Scope

This Policy applies to personal information provided to us when you:

• Visit or browse our Site,
• Register for any of our events or offerings,
• Subscribe to our mailing lists or newsletters,
• Interact with us on social media or via e-mail.

By using our Site or services, you agree to the collection and use of your personal information as described here. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site and services.

 

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

1. Identification Details: Full name, job title, company or organisation name.
2. Contact Information: E-mail address, telephone number, postal address.
3. Demographic Details: Age, location, preferences, and interests.
4. Marketing & Survey Responses: Responses to surveys or questionnaires you choose to complete, competition entries, or event sign-up details.
5. Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, cookie data, and any referral URLs (see “Cookies” below).

You are under no obligation to provide personal information. However, certain information may be necessary for us to provide some of our services, for instance if you sign up for events or newsletters.

 

How We Use Your Information

We will use your personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected, or for compatible purposes, including:

• Service Delivery: To register you for events, enable access to services, and manage payments (if applicable).
• Communication: To send you important updates about our events, services, or policy changes.
• Marketing: To inform you (via e-mail, phone, or other channels) of new products, services, or offers that we think may be of interest to you, provided you have not opted out of such communication.
• Research & Surveys: To conduct market research or request feedback in order to improve our offerings.
• Website Improvement: To analyse how the Site is accessed and used so we can enhance its functionality, content, and design.
• Compliance & Legal: To meet legal or regulatory obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.

We will never sell your personal information. We may disclose it only in the ways described in this policy or as required by law.

 

Lawful Basis for Processing

Where POPIA or other data protection laws apply, we rely on one or more of the following lawful grounds:

• Consent: Where you have clearly agreed to our processing of your personal information for a specific purpose.
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (such as improving our services) and not overridden by your data protection rights.
• Legal Obligation: Where we need to comply with a legal or regulatory requirement.

 

Cookies & Tracking

A cookie is a small data file stored on your computer or device that helps us analyse web traffic or recognises you when you visit our Site. We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Understand and analyse how you use our Site.
• Compile statistical data on Site usage to improve and customise our content.
• Make our Site easier to navigate and enhance user experience.

You may choose to disable cookies in your browser settings; however, certain Site features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled. For more information, please see our separate Cookie Notice (if applicable) or contact us.

 

Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy, unless a longer period is required or permitted by law. Once we no longer need your personal information, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it.

 

Security Measures

We are committed to ensuring that your personal information is secure. We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Please note that no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

 

Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

10. Service Providers: Third parties that assist with our operations, e.g., IT services, payment processors, marketing platforms. We require these parties to maintain the confidentiality and security of personal information.
11. Event Partners: We may occasionally run events or promotions with sponsors or partners. We will only share your details with them if you have expressly consented or if it is necessary for event participation.
12. Legal & Regulatory: Where disclosure is required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

 

International Data Transfers

If we transfer your personal information to countries outside South Africa, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards (such as contractual commitments and technical protections) are in place to protect your data in accordance with POPIA or other applicable data protection regulations.

 

Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right (subject to certain limitations) to:

• Access: Request details of personal information we hold about you.
• Rectification: Request that inaccurate or incomplete personal information be corrected.
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data if it is no longer required for a lawful purpose.
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing, or withdraw consent where you have previously given it.
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa) if you believe your data privacy rights have been infringed.

For any of these requests, please contact us (see “Contact Us” below). We will respond within a reasonable time.

 

Links to Other Websites

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. Once you leave our Site by clicking these links, we do not have control over those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit, as we cannot be responsible for their content, security, or data practices.

 

Children’s Privacy

Our services are generally intended for individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 years of age without parental or guardian consent. If you become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

 

Changes to This Policy

We may periodically update this Privacy Policy. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of the page. We encourage you to review this page regularly to stay informed of any changes. Your continued use of the Site and services after any updates constitute acceptance of the revised Policy.

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise any of your rights under POPIA, please contact us at:

• E-mail: info@innovationsummit.co.za
• Address: 20 Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa