Events for May 2025

Zoe Molapisi

Position on SAACI Committee

Gauteng Branch Chairperson (Acting)

Company Name & Designation

By Design Africa (Pty) Ltd – Owner

Contact Details

082 922 0470 / zoe.molapisi@bydesignafrica.com

Noma Nicol

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Committee Member

Company Name

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Contact Details

073 334 3158 / nnicol@nmbstadium.co.za

David Limbert

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Committee Member, Events

Company Name

Magnetic Storm

Contact Details

082 906 4198 / david@magnetic.co.za

Samantha Symonds

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

Thornleys Events – Events Specialist

Contact Details

076 988 2185 / sam@thornleysav.co.za

Tania Augustyn

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

Travel With Flair – Head of C & E and Inbound Group Travel

Contact Details

082 410 7337 / taniaa@twf.co.za

Zandile Sibisi

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts – National Sales Executive

Contact Details

066 306 0027 / zsibisi@peermont.com

Melissa Palmer

Position on SAACI Branch Committee

Eastern Cape Chairperson, Youth Development, Events

Company Name & Designation

B and E Conference Centre – Director

Contact Details

082 437 7600, 041 404 2431 / melissa@becbc.co.za

Bio

With a passion for the events industry and a responsibility towards skills development, Melissa has built her business around the business and education sector that require venues and related services to support their needs. Part owner of three branches throughout the Eastern Cape, Melissa has built her business and grown from strength to strength over her 8 years of being Director. Melissa is extremely passionate about the Business Events Industry and loves sharing experiences and skills in this space. 22 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and 15 years’ experience in the MICE industry, Melissa loves to connect with and meet new people within the industry. Melissa also love to learn from other mentors within this space and will never pass an opportunity to do so.

Neil Nagooroo

Position on SAACI Board

Gauteng Branch Chairperson

Company Name & Designation

Nxlevel Consulting – Managing Director

Contact Details

082 929 5241 / neil@nxlevel.co.za

Alastair Stead

Position on SAACI Branch Committee

Eastern Cape Committee Treasurer, Learning, Stakeholder Management

Company Name & Designation

Scan Display Africa (Pty) LTD – African Business Development Manager

Contact Details

073 236 6618 / alastair@scandisplay.africa

Bio

I have worked in the MICE Sector for the past 20 years, firstly as an event organiser and now as an Infrastructure provider, Scan has been around for more than 20 years and is a market leader in the Sector. Scan Display has started developing a network across Africa to assist in developing the MICE Sector in Africa and we have representative across more than 15 African Countries. I enjoy travelling and meeting people across Africa. Together we can grow Africa.

Margorie Makama

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Committee Member, Secretary, Events

Company Name & Designation

Green Room Design & Communication – PR & Marketing Director

Contact Details

071 045 2556 / margorie@greenroom.co.za

Wanda Fourie

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Communication / Marketing

Company Name & Designation

Eastern Sun Events – Exhibition & Sponsorship Manager

Contact Details

072 608 1641 (cell), 041 374 5654 (work) / wanda@easternsun.co.za

Gillian Dickie

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Community / Membership

Company Name & Designation

Bidvest Car Rental – Business Development Manager

Contact Details

079 5277 619, 041 581 4242 / gilld@bcr.co.za

Jean Paul Palm

Position on SAACI Committee

Western Cape Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

ATKV – Sake (Goudini) – Head of Marketing and Entertainment

Contact Details

076 790 9788 / jpp@atkv.org.za

Ernest van Sitters

Company Name & Designation

Cape Town International Convention Centre – National Sales Executive

Contact Details

073 117 8598 / ernestv@cticc.co.za

Bio

With over 5 years of experience in event co-ordination, sales, design, management, operations and hybrid events, Ernest has been involved in successfully hosting events such as the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019, Ubuntu Awards, and Green Building Convention – to name a few. Ernest currently project manages the CTICC’s Digital Events Offering, and also represents the Africa Chapter on the ICCA Future Leaders Council. He holds Cvent Virtual Events Certification, Events Management Certification from UCT and has completed the New Managers Development Programme at the USB.

Ernest enjoys generating new ideas and devising feasible solutions which produce exceptional experiences. He is driven by an eagerness to grow and develop as captured in his work ethos, ‘There’s no failure, only feedback’. Not only does this guide his approach to his own advancement but motivates him to contribute to the development of his peers. When not on the floor for an event, he enjoys spending time at the piano.

Claire Kivedo

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Vice Chairperson

Company Name & Designation

Overall Events & Communication – Managing Director

Contact Details

082 4641 504 / claire@overallevents.co.za

Angela Lorimer

Company Name & Designation

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa – Head of Sales & Marketing

Contact Details

074 550 1000 / salesmanager@lagoonbeachhotel.co.za

Bio

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector, I have a proven track record in travel and tourism as it is in my blood! I began my journey when I graduated from Granger Bay as the first intake in Hotel Management. I have worked both locally and internationally in a number of properties amongst other, Sun International, NH Hotels as well as privately owned hotels. My experience ranges from hands-on Banqueting to Commercial Manager. Over the years I have built solid, long-term relationships with key stakeholders across all market segments. What drives me is that I am passionate about this industry and believe in collaboration across all associations.

Zaida Enver

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

Pure Grit Events and Exhibitions Management – CEO

Contact Details

082 555 1049 / zaida@puregrit.co.za

Esti Venske

Company Name & Designation

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Senior lecturer & Programme Coordinator AdvDip Event Management

Contact Details

083 482 9276 / venskee@cput.ac.za

Bio

Esti Venske is a senior lecturer and programme coordinator for the Advanced Diploma in Event Management in the Department of Tourism and Event Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. As curriculum project leader in the department, she is extensively involved in Tourism and Event curriculum development projects that encourage partnership between educators and industry practitioners to advance knowledge and skills alignment in the sector. Her experience in event management education spans over 18 years and she serves on a number of academic and industry committees.

Apart from lecturing and supervising postgraduate students, Esti has standing experience in organising local and international conferences. She has authored and co-authored accredited international academic journal articles, international conference proceedings and book chapters in the field of event management. She is involved with various community engagement projects and her current research focus areas include event management curriculum, business event tourism, sustainability and wellness events.

Minister Kganyago

Company Name & Designation

CSIR ICC – Business Development Manager

Contact Details

079 513 8708 / mkganyago@csir.co.za

Bio

Minister is a young dynamic individual, passionate about the tourism and business events industry. He holds a BA degree in Corporate and Marketing Communications from the University of the Free State and an Honors degree in Strategic Marketing from the University of the Johannesburg. He is currently under the employ of CSIR International Convention Centre as a Business Development Manager. Given his passion for the meetings industry, Minister is in pursuit of a Masters degree in Communications at the University of North West. His research seeks to understand how the latest communication paradigm, can be used to advance business events in South Africa. He serves on the national board of SAACI as a board member responsible for Youth Development.

Glenton de Kock

Position at SAACI National Office

Chief Executive Officer

Contact Details

082 575 7565 / ceo@saaci.org

Bio

“Promoting positive community and economic growth in our neighbourhood” is an objective that drives Glenton daily. Glenton had refined his public and private sector strategic management skills during his tenure as MD of Tourism Buffalo City, as CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay and as CEO of the ECPTA. As an Associate Director at KPMG he led the Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Unit for Africa before moving onto Grant Thornton in a similar position.

His position as Project Manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber ensured that Business embraces its civil society role by driving a holistic approach which enables business within the Metro to work towards long-term sustainability. Glenton’s business management experience cuts across various sectors, such as Tourism Hospitality, Petro-chemical, Mining and all spheres of government. As an active citizen, Glenton acts as an independent advisor to the Nelson Mandela Bay Consultative Christian Churches, The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition, and the Northern Areas Education Forum. He also mentors’ businesses within the ICT and Services Sector. He is the President of the Nelson Mandela University Football Club and is a budding golfer.

Kim Roberts

Company Name & Designation

Mise-en-place Solutions – Owner

Contact Details

082 652 2008 / info@mise-en-placesolutions.com

Bio

Professionalism has been the foundation of each of the roles that have enjoyed, mostly within the tourism sector. My goal is to continually deliver consistent, top quality, friendly and value to the client experience within the business environment.

The Role of SAACI Chairperson weaves into my personal goals as the association works to build on norms and standards. Supporting our members through our stakeholders, educational opportunities and newly formulated professional designations we am to continue to add to the Tourism sector GDP.

Andrew Stewart

Position on SAACI Committee

Eastern Cape Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

Peri Expo – Owner

Contact Details

082 578 5987 / andrew@periexpo.co.za

Esmare Steinhofel

Position on SAACI Committee

Western Cape Committee Member

Company Name & Designation

International Congress and Convention Association – Regional Director: Africa

Contact Details

084 056 5544 / esmare.s@iccaworld.org

Angelique Smith

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member – Events Portfolio

Company Name & Designation

Event Synthesis – Event & Wedding Specialist / Safety Officer

Contact Details

060 970 7653 / angie@eventsynthesis.co.za

Chris de Lancey

Position on SAACI Committee

Johannesburg Branch Committee Member – Treasurer

Company Name & Designation

Multi-Media (Pty) Ltd – Director of Innovation

Contact Details

082 854 2230 / chris@multi-media.co.za

Irene Vallihu

Company Name & Designation

Durban ICC – General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Events

Contact Details

079 692 4604, 031 360 1360 / irenev@icc.co.za

Bio

Irene Vallihu is the General Manager of Marketing, Sales and Events at the multi-award winning Centre, Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC). She is a creative, focused, energetic, resilient and customer-focused professional with over 29 years progressive experience in the hospitality industry. Irene has held 6 positions during her 15 year tenure at the Durban ICC. Her management experience includes Marketing, Sales and Events, thus contributing positively to a comprehensive event lead management strategy. Irene is adept in planning and executing aggressive strategies to achieve organizational and departmental goals. She is a results orientated individual with experience in leading high performance teams and successfully increasing efficiency and productivity whilst reducing costs and inefficiencies. Irene also serves as a Trustee of the DUT (Durban University of Technology) Foundation.

Irene’s personal mantra is “I am because you are”.

John Arvanitakis

Company Name & Designation

Chat’r Xperience (Pty) Ltd – Founder & CEO

Contact Details

083 415 2774 / john@chatr.co.za

Bio

John founded Chat’r Xperience after 15 years as a Founding Director at Magnetic Group and Brand Activations Director at Ogilvy|Brand Activation. He brings his organisational and project management skills, creative conceptualisation, choreography and passion for client satisfaction and years of experience in the eventing and experiential marketing into the online and streaming world. When he’s not working, John spends his time outdoors in his boat or 4×4 and following his passion for photography, and lately he considers himself a bit of a masterchef.

Alshanthe Smith

Position at SAACI National Office

SAACI National Office Membership Services Consultant

Contact Details

071 299 0601 / members@saaci.org

Bio

Alshanthe has previously been employed as a Project Manager for Meetings Africa, Africa’s Travel Indaba, GovTech 2019 and Comrades Marathon Expo. Prior to this she has worked extensively in Convention Centre’s around the country, fulfilling both Sales and Event Coordination roles. Alshanthe is also a proud Top 40 Women in MICE nominee for 2018 and have won the 2017 SAACI National Young Achiever of the Year Award. Her passion for Business Events is evident in all roles undertaken throughout the decade she has spent in the industry, and she is honoured to continue serving and contributing to this legacy.

Denise Kemp

Company Name & Designation

Eastern Sun Events – Owner

Contact Details

041 374 5654 / denise@easternsun.co.za

Bio

Denise owns and runs a conference management company, specialising in medical association conferences. Denise has been involved with SAACI for many years and was Chairperson of the Eastern Cape branch, head of the PCO Chapter and National Chairperson of SAACI. Eastern Sun Events has run successful online conferences during Covid but is looking forward to being host live events again.

Jaques Fouche

Company Name & Designation

Be-Moved – Managing Director

Contact Details

060 993 7542 / jaques@be-moved.co.za

Bio

With a passion for events, exhibitions and activations, Jaques thrives on elevating a client’s brand through unforgettable experiences. While employed at Gearhouse and Formative he has gained a wealth of knowledge in production, stage design and the technical ‘know how’ of running in person, virtual and hybrid events. He accumulated over 10 years’ experience working on some of the most prestigious local and international conferences and stage productions. Jaques has also served on the SAACI Western Cape Branch prior to being elected to the National Board. Jaques is passionate about the Business Events Industry and eventing runs through his veins with production as his game.

The Branch of the Year Award

The sought-after Branch of the year award was originally judged on membership growth and retention, but additional criteria was added in 2014.

Branches needs to:

Grow membership in terms of company representatives
Advance member category representation
Grow networking events attendance by members
Retain existing membership
Bonus points:
- Board reports submission
- Maintain a fully operational branch committee
- Other Branch activities that supports the SAACI vision

The Young Achiever Award

The Young Achiever of the Year Award is an acknowledgement of a minimum of 3 years’ service to SAACI. The individual is between the ages of 25 – 35 years and is motivated, energetic, involved and an active member of the Association. The individual presents an extraordinary view of the value of being a member to the community at large and within the business events industry and has provided a special and positive contribution to the development of SAACI through service on a branch committee.

These awards are presented at branch level during the annual general meeting and is nominated by the committees in each branch. The winners in each region are then eligible for the national award at the national congress.

SAACI Fellowship Award

The Fellowship award is an acknowledgement of a minimum of 10 years’ service to the Association. The individuals noted below have provided a special and positive contribution to the development of SAACI through:

Service on the SAACI Board either as Board Directors’ or Advisories
Served as Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or Treasurer
Presents an extraordinary view of the value of being a member to the community at large, to government and within the business events industry.

The individual is:

Role-model and mentor in the industry
Willing to assist the youth and newcomers to the industry
An inspiration to colleagues in the industry

Events

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RegTech Africa Conference 2025

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