TAKING HONG KONG BY STORM -ODM Media
- Business Sense
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
This was not the first time the ODM Media team had travelled to a Routes event under an ominous weather warning. Back in 2018, we headed to Routes World in Guangzhou, China, unsure whether we would even be able to land as Super Typhoon Mangkhut approached. It was the first time the conference had ever been affected by weather.
On day one, I walked into the team room to find our clients sitting there with ghost white faces. More than 3000 delegates were evacuated immediately, with police and military personnel deployed to shuttle everyone back to their hotels.
The three of us, however, were staying in an Airbnb a few stops away on the underground and did not have a bus waiting for us. Instead, we walked through the downpour, which was a relief from the oppressive humidity, made our way to the underground and enjoyed an unexpected day off. South Africans do not shy away from adventure. Fast forward to the end of 2025 and our trip to Routes World Hong Kong was unfolding in a very similar way. Super Typhoon Ragasa was gathering strength as it approached.
I arrived the evening before in pouring rain and, within hours, already had cabin fever. I like to unpack quickly and head out to explore. No time to waste. If there is a beach nearby, that is always first prize. Walking barefoot on the earth after hours spent in a tin can far above the ground is essential for me. The following morning looked promising before the storm arrived, so I was up at 3.45am searching for a taxi.
This turned out to be far harder than expected. Taxis only accepted cash and there were no ATMs nearby. Eventually, one driver agreed to take me to an ATM along the way and then on to Kowloon Viewing Point. He drove like he had just come straight from a Saturday night at Blue Lagoon, pushing his tiny car to 160 kilometres an hour along twisting highways. Unable to communicate properly and not wanting to offend him, I closed my eyes and prayed.
After navigating a long, narrow road that snaked up the mountain, we arrived at the viewpoint in the dark. Sunrise was still about 45 minutes away. I am always early, as being late is not an option. The anticipation built as I imagined capturing incredible photos of Hong Kong city, only to watch the entire skyline disappear beneath a thick blanket of cloud as the sun rose. Eventually, patience paid off and I managed to capture some shots of the magnificent city. With no taxis in sight, I walked back down the mountain, about an hour’s journey, caught the train and returned to the hotel just in time to meet the rest of the team who had arrived overnight. That afternoon, the storm intensified and the city shut down. We were confined to our hotels as the typhoon peaked overnight. What amazed me most was that I slept straight through it.
Not because I am a heavy sleeper, but because you could not hear a thing through the insulated windows. They are clearly designed for these conditions. I doubt even a hadada could penetrate them. The following day was meant to begin with the welcome reception, but due to travel restrictions this was changed to small gatherings at each hotel. The official welcome reception was moved to the final evening and was well worth the wait. Just a day after the typhoon hit, everything returned to normal as if nothing had happened.
The local population deals with these weather systems regularly, and another one was already approaching shortly after we left. The harbour told the story best, completely empty before the storm and bustling once again the day after. Routes, the organisers of the event, did an exceptional job throughout. They kept delegates informed, calm and accommodated constant changes over the four days, including late arrivals, cancellations and delays. For us, it was simply about adapting, supporting the client and making the most of the situation. We managed to swap hotels before lockdown to gain better coverage and were able to continue filming, photographing and posting on social media to show that business was still moving forward.
The rest of the conference was a success, and everyone involved was relieved once it concluded. Traditionally, the Routes team presents Manchester United shirts branded with Routes logos to the host city as a gesture of thanks. This event also marked almost exactly ten years of us working with Routes worldwide. Before leaving South Africa, I had comfortable hoodies made featuring both our company logos on the front and a large ten on the back, listing the events we had worked on together.
Despite my nerves, I asked for a few minutes in the morning meeting, delivered a short speech and presented the director of Routes with a hoodie.
The wider team received hoodies too, although luggage space limited numbers. It was a proud moment for our team and one that did not go unnoticed. Messages of thanks are still coming through. Next up, and hopefully without typhoons, is Brazil, China, Italy and Saudi Arabia in 2026. Let’s keep the South African flag flying around the world.
M: +27 (0)83 331 6796
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