Bookings open for annual one-night-only adventure talks event

Started in 2010, FEAT celebrates expeditions and the people that undertake them. Adventurers are welcomed to the FEAT stage to speak of their adventures at this one-night-only theatre event. But, each speaker has only seven minutes for their talk. This makes the evening fast-paced, energised and captivating. Projected photos illustrate the presentations and draw the audience into breathtaking landscapes.

FEAT was created four years ago by Lisa de Speville. She has been involved in a variety of outdoor sports, including adventure racing and ultra-distance off-road running for 15 years. FEAT developed from her love of adventure sports and the reading of expedition and adventure books; from climbing to mountaineering, polar travel, river descents and ocean crossings.

"I'm totally biased when it comes to FEAT," she laughs. "I created an event that I wanted to attend".

She keeps the speaker line-up a secret, only releasing names one-by-one in the lead up to the event.

"If you keep up with adventure news or are a participant in specific disciplines you may recognise three or four names. All of the speakers are adventurous people who are passionate about the outdoors. And they've done cool things that caught my interest. FEAT is the type of event where you book tickets regardless because the stories and tales that you hear will captivate. Completely."

There's one speaker that she doesn't hesitate to mention in advance of the event.

"We've got this thing called the FEAT Award where anyone can submit an application, describing their idea for an adventure. We'll give them a cash award to help to make it happen. The FEAT Award winner is announced at FEAT and they've got a year in which to do their adventure; and then they tell us about it at the next event."

Jacques Homan won the FEAT Award last year and in April he completed his 'ultra-triathlon' adventure in Lesotho with a friend. This FEAT Award is more than just a financial incentive. It gives the recipient something to commit to; a reason to finally do that adventure they've been dreaming about. Applications are open until 1 September 2014.

"As with all adventures, it did not go according to the picture in my head, but nevertheless we consider it a success," says Homan. "The FEAT Award was just that push we needed to make it a reality instead of thinking of more excuses."

FEAT takes place on Thursday, 2 October 2014 at the Linder Auditorium, which is located on the Wits Education Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg. The show starts promptly at 19h00 but from 17h00 there are adventure books to browse - with signings by the author, products to see and an adventure-themed photo wall where the audience can be photographed with friends.

Tickets are available online through www.entrytickets.co.za. Tickets are R190. For group bookings of 10 or more tickets there's a 'Buy 9, Get 1 Free' offer.

FEAT is proudly sponsored by Black Diamond, Fluid Kayaks, Powertraveller and Trappers. Full event details are online at www.featsa.co.za.

QUICK REFERENCE

· Event: Fascinating Expedition & Adventure Talks (FEAT)
· What is it? A fast-paced and captivating one-night only event of 10 seven-minute talks about adventures and expeditions.
· Date: Thursday, 2 October 2014
· Venue: Linder Auditorium, Wits Education Campus, Parkton.

· Times:
o From 17h00: Stands, adventure book signing and photo wall
o 18h30: Theatre doors open
o 19h00 - 21h30: FEAT (including a 20-minute interval)

· Ticket price:
o Less than 10: R190.00.
o Group bookings (10 or more): BUY 9, GET 1 FREE (tickets average R170)
· Event website: www.featsa.co.za
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/featsa
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/AdventureFEAT
· Online bookings: www.entrytickets.co.za
· Contact: Lisa, 082 936-2509,