Sarina Steenkamp
Designation
Lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Bio
With over a decade of experience in the business events and academic sectors, Zimkitha Bavuma is deeply committed to contributing meaningfully to the growth and strategic vision of SAACI. Her candidacy for a board position is an intentional step toward amplifying the impact of youth engagement, research integration, and inclusive representation in the industry.
In her current role as SAACI Youth Ambassador and National Board Member, she has spearheaded initiatives that connect emerging professionals with industry leaders, foster knowledge exchange, and build awareness of the business events sector among students and young professionals. However, through this work, she has also identified the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to youth involvement. Her vision for the next term involves institutionalising a strategic Youth Council framework that ensures regional representation, measurable deliverables, research engagement, and integration into SAACI’s governance ecosystem. This would not only solidify the voice of the youth within the association but also strengthen the pipeline of future-ready leaders.
Her professional experience spans lecturing, curriculum development, and hands-on event management across national and international platforms, gaining firsthand insights into both the operational and strategic demands of the sector.
Expertise: Event Planning, Technology, Training and Education, Marketing, Research, Exhibition Management, Youth
Accolades: Panache Woman of Wonder Award (Nov 2022) and SAACI Enkulu Youth Award (July 2023)
Interests: Research, Training, Innovation, Finance, Youth Development
Designation
Regional Revenue, Gauteng, and Revenue and Sales, KZN, at Southern Sun Hotels
Bio
Ronelle Pillay is dedicated and passionate about continuous and purposeful learning. Her resilience, grit, and agility are key traits that have extensively contributed to her work in the hospitality industry. She has built a credible self-brand and carries her representation as a Southern Sun member with pride.
The hospitality sector, specifically the conference and meetings space, has undergone a significant transformation in the last 10 years, requiring professionals to leverage partnerships and collaboration to drive a sustainable tourism roadmap, she believes. It has also highlighted that change is the one constant, which has applied to business, people, policies, etc. The need to focus on a sustainable roadmap is fundamental to the foundation on which we operate, which begins in communities, then evolves to the city, province and country.
Expertise: Hospitality, Training and Education, Policy, Marketing, Finance, Research, Strategy
Accolades: Finalist 2012 Business Women Association of SA
Interests: Membership, Innovation, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Managing Director at Exposure Marketing
Bio
Projeni Pather is passionate about the growth, transformation, and professionalisation of South Africa’s business events industry. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her career to building platforms that create a meaningful impact, both economically and socially. Sahe sees the opportunity to serve on the SAACI Board as an extension of this commitment and a platform through which she can continue to give back, elevate the industry, and shape its future with purpose and vision.
As the founder and Managing Director of Exposure Marketing, she has led the development of the MamaMagic Baby Expo – Africa’s largest, longest-running and most trusted parenting exhibition. Through this platform, she has built partnerships with brands, nurtured exhibitor relationships, and developed high-impact audience engagement strategies that continue to thrive despite significant industry disruptions. In addition to her company, she has served as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).
She also served as the Spokesperson for the South African Events Council, representing the collective voice of the industry in high-level conversations around recovery, policy, and resilience. These roles have refined her ability to advocate effectively, engage across sectors, and lead collaboratively with integrity. She is also a CEM-Advanced Professional and serves on the international faculty for the IAEE, where she contributes to the global upskilling of events professionals across Africa.
Expertise: Event Planning, Training and Education, Marketing, Research, Exhibition Management, Strategy
Accolades: AAXO Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2024
Interests: Research, Training, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Head of Sales at Cape Town International Convention Centre
Bio
Meryl Fairfoot’s strategic vision is to make SAACI relevant to stakeholders across Southern Africa, with a focus on providing value to members and furthering the strategic insights and collaboration. Fairfoot has been involved in the business of MICE both from a venue and convention bureau perspective.
Her role in the National Convention Bureau for 10 years gave her unique insights into all aspects of the Business Events Industry, from International bidding, national conferences, trade exhibitions, incentives, to SMME development and the enhancement of secondary cities. Fairfoot was responsible for the hosted buyer programme for Meetings Africa for many years, which again gave her strategic insights into marketing for Business Events, buyer programmes, and the needs of strategic partners.
Expertise: Event Planning, Hospitality, Sustainability, Policy, Marketing, Finance, Research, Strategy, Government
Accolades: SAACI 2024 Conference Chair, Women in MICE Awards 2017
Interests: Advocacy, Membership, Research, Training, Innovation, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Chief Business Development Officer at Niche Partners
Bio
Londi Khumalo’s grew up in a township, and saw first-hand how MICE can open doors, transform communities, and connect Africa to opportunity. She worked on an international climate change summit that drew thousands of global delegates to South Africa after graduating. But what moved her most was the transformation she saw beyond the venue walls: unemployed youth were given jobs, small suppliers gained access to formal markets, and local hotels brimmed with opportunity.
This lived experience has fuelled her commitment to the sector. It’s also why she has chosen to be a lifelong learner and contributor to it. She holds a Master of Commerce in Management, where she focused on strategic gaps in convention bureaus to strengthen MICE competitiveness. She also has an Honours in Economics, an undergraduate degree, and a Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management. Currently, she is preparing a doctoral proposal that aims to further equip Africa’s MICE industry with credible research tools to quantify and communicate the industry’s impact to governments, investors, and clients alike. She believes the future of the industry lies in galvanising people, processes and technology to grow the industry.
Expertise: Event Planning, Training and Education, Research, Strategy, Government
Accolades: International Hotel School Cum Laude, Several University Alumni, AIPC Future Leaders Programme – 2015 Cohort, Top-Performing Corporate Sales Portfolio Lead – Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Interests: Advocacy, Research, Training, Innovation, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Director and Partner at Paragon Africa
Bio
With over two decades of experience in the events and tourism industry, Lara le Roux brings a deep understanding of the MICE sector’s complexities, opportunities, and evolving needs. Her career has encompassed event management, logistics, marketing, business development, association fundraising, and strategic financial oversight, equipping her with the skills to contribute meaningfully at a Board level.
Since first joining SAACI in 2011 as the Western Cape Branch Secretariat, through to her current role as Vice-Chair of the Western Cape Branch, she has witnessed and supported the organisation through many stages of growth and transformation. This long-standing involvement has given her a unique perspective on SAACI’s role within the industry and a firm belief in its potential to drive progress and professionalisation. She is especially enthusiastic about the upcoming accreditation process and the formal recognition it will bring to the industry. She is passionate about mentorship, professional development, and building a stronger, more unified events sector.
Expertise: Event Planning, Marketing, Finance, Research, Exhibition Management, Youth
Interests: Membership, Research, Finance
Designation
Director at Mise en Place Solutions
Bio
Dynamic and results-driven Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality, business events, and tourism sectors. Kim Roberts has a proven track record in developing high-performing teams, optimising processes, and enhancing client experiences, having successfully managed multi-property operations, launched new venues, and spearheaded award-winning initiatives.
Her work extends across government partnerships, corporate stakeholders, and industry associations, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic and financial goals. As a passionate advocate for the industry, she actively contributes to SAACI and various nonprofit initiatives. She thrives on problem-solving, pushing creative boundaries, and delivering excellence in every project she undertakes. By integrating strategy, design thinking, and operational excellence, she aims to elevate events beyond experiences, and into opportunities that shape policy, empower people, and accelerate business outcomes.
Expertise: Event Planning, Hospitality, Sustainability, Marketing, Exhibition Management, Strategy
Accolades: Top 40 Women in MICE in 2016
Interests: Advocacy, Membership, Research, Innovation, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Director at Naledi Hospitality and Consultants
Bio
Passion, attention to detail, and target-driven are the best ways to describe Gerhard Franken. The combination of policy, strategy, and engagement is key for the growth of SAACI, he believes. Offering value for money through membership and driving strong leadership skills, while keeping to the core values of the business and at the same time adjusting to the newest trends to align the vision to the rest of the world creates a stronger vision to work towards.
Taking charge to solve problems, execute strategies, and ensure flawless execution, paired with his passion for the industry, has guided many tourism members to be uplifted and developed. Franken is not someone that sees himself as part of everyone in terms of work; he leads from the front and encourages from the back. Being involved in several large structures and formulating not only policy but also strategies with his passion for marketing and audio visual gives him a unique outlook in growing the MICE industry, not only in Limpopo but also in South Africa.
Expertise: Event Planning, Hospitality, Sustainability, Training and Education, Marketing, Finance, Strategy
Accolades: 2025 Africa Tourism Indaba – Excellence Award
Interests: Advocacy, Membership, Training, Partnerships, Collaboration, Marketing
Designation
Managing Director at Clarissa Carsten Specialised Services (Pty) Ltd
Bio
Clarissa Carsten is well known in the industry, nationally, and internationally as a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), Facility Manager and Entrepreneur. Her integrity, attention to detail, tenacity displayed throughout the years, as well as thorough planning, good project management skills, and success stories, place her as an individual a cut above the rest.
Carsten obtained a diploma in Conference and Events Management as well as a Public Relations certificate through Damelin during her employment at the SABC for over 10 years. After successfully handling the logistics for three consecutive international broadcasting conferences (Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, Southern African Broadcasting Association, and Public Broadcasting International), she was headhunted by the Department of Communications, led by then-Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri. This led to her project managing events that were attended by Presidents of Countries, National and International Cabinet Ministers, Premiers, Consular Generals, Senators, and other individuals from all walks of life.
Expertise: Event Planning, Hospitality, Sustainability, Marketing, Exhibition Management, Government
Interests: Advocacy, Membership, Innovation, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Managing Director – Business Events at Into Africa DMC
Bio
Alex Wrottesley has been in this industry for 17 years. Four of those years she worked for a company in London, which operated in the sponsorship and hospitality space. Everything she has learnt about the world of Business Events has been through her 13- odd years at Into Africa and her involvement with SAACI.
When she relocated from London after working on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, she started at Into Africa DMC and quickly got absorbed into the industry – meeting all types of characters and challenges along the way. These elements have molded her into the colleague, employee, and industry role-player she is today. She started as a Project Manager and is now the Director of Business Events, working on a four-year internal buy-out process to buy Into Africa.
She has been passionate and dedicated to SAACI in her involvement at a Western Cape branch level; as a member, Vice Chair and Chair. She was nominated for the association’s Treasurer after joining the national Board, a position she has now filled for a year. During this time, she has proven my support of SAACI’s pillars of collaboration, growth, sustainability, research and professional development.
Expertise: Event Planning, Hospitality
Accolades: Women in MICE 2017
Interests: Membership, Partnerships, Collaboration
Designation
Senior Lecturer at Cape Town University of Technology
Bio
Esti Venske first joined SAACI because of the way education and professional practice meet, almost inseparably, which she believes holds value for the MICE industry. Her involvement began at a regional level on the Western Cape Branch, and later extended to the National Board, where she currently contributes to the Education Portfolio. This reflects her commitment to civic responsibility in South Africa and to using education as a lever for positive change.
She sees the association as a platform for contributing to South Africa’s broader development agenda, where skills, knowledge, and opportunity in the MICE industry can be aligned in meaningful ways. She’s worked on industry professionalisation, curriculum renewal, national skills initiatives, and pathways that support growth across a career. Within SAACI, she’s continued this work through dialogue, alignment, and building trust that supports professional development – across both graduate entry and practitioner upskilling / continuous professional development. Internationally, she has contributed to published research, academic case studies, and collaborations that keep South African voices part of wider conversations. These experiences have shaped her both personally and professionally, and she continues to advocate for stronger links between Higher Education and the business events sector.
Expertise: Event Planning, Training and Education, Research, Youth
Accolades: Doctorate in Tourism & Hospitality – specialising in Meeting and Event Management Education
Interests: Advocacy, Research, Training, Partnerships, Collaboration
Position on SAACI Committee
KwaZulu-Natal Branch Chairperson
Company Name & Designation
Gearhouse SA (Pty) Ltd – Sales Manager
Contact Details
083 607 2006 / kavitha.dhawnath@gearhouse.co.za
Position on SAACI Committee
Eastern Cape Committee Member
Company Name
GoSeeDo – Director
Contact Details
082 783 5880 / hello@getfreshec.co.za
Bio
Printing, design, brochure display & distribution, supply signage, event safety & compliance.
Company Name & Designation
Cape Peninsula university of Technology – Event Management Lecturer
Contact Details
0721725746 / 021 460 3022 / zim@live.co.za / bavumaz@cput.ac.za
Bio
Zimkitha Bavuma formed her tertiary years at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology where she obtained a National Diploma in Events Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management. She gained her working experience in the Events and Conferencing industry and later ventured into Higher Education and Training by lecturing Events Management and Tourism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Whilst lecturing at the institution, she has obtained her Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management and further engages academia as an emerging researcher. As a devoted scholar, she continues to pursue her studies in a Doctorate in Tourism Management.
Zimkitha has a demonstrated history of being an experienced Events Management Lecturer as well as events management for various events in South Africa. She contributes her knowledge and skills to the South African Association for the Conferencing Industry (SAACI) as a committee member for the Western Cape Board. Zimkitha also holds a position as the Marketing Facilitator for The First Lady Chamber, which cultivates a community to support existing female owned businesses and female entrepreneurs with mentorship programmes and workshops to assist their professional growth and development. She is passionate about education and women empowerment and believes that the right amount of tenacity and hard work can create any opportunity for those that seeks to achieve it.
Position at SAACI National Office
Business Administrator
Contact Details
084 492 1515 / members@saaci.org
Bio
As a Project Manager, Tracey-Lee has planned and executed multiple highly successful corporate events, ranging from international conferences and exhibitions to executive team retreats.
Throughout the event planning process, she has been responsible for all aspects from conceptualizing the event to writing the post-event reports. She is highly organised and has excellent time management skills. She also has experience in coordinating and show directing hybrid and virtual events. Furthermore, she creates engaging scripts, website and social media content.
Her background includes identifying company needs, as well as suggesting and implementing effective processes and procedures for maximum efficiency and productivity while promoting a positive work environment.
Position on SAACI Committee
Eastern Cape Branch Acting Chairperson
Company Name
Boast Events
Contact Details
061 423 9920 / niel@boastevents.co.za
Bio
Niel is a seasoned event management professional based in the Eastern Cape. Boasting over a decade in the industry, with a passion for creating memorable experiences. His journey commenced in the hospitality sector, where his love for eventing started. Today, he concentrates his expertise on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Niel founded and currently leads his own successful events company. His journey in the industry has been marked by his remarkable dedication to detail, innovation, and client satisfaction. With roots in event technology that have evolved into event curation and management. His unceasing passion for integrating cutting-edge technology into events is a testament to his commitment to innovation and his unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for his clients. Niel’s commitment to excellence has earned him a reputation for reliability and ingenuity, making him a sought-after figure in the South African event planning landscape. With a keen eye for trends and a personal touch, he transforms ideas into unforgettable gatherings. Niel’s dedication to his craft, coupled with a knack for adaptability, ensures that every event he touches is a resounding success.
Position on SAACI Committee
Eastern Cape Committee Member
Company Name
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Contact Details
073 334 3158 / nnicol@nmbstadium.co.za
Position on SAACI Committee
Johannesburg Branch Committee Member
Company Name & Designation
Thornleys Events – Events Specialist
Contact Details
076 988 2185 / sam@thornleysav.co.za
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
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
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
Position on SAACI Committee
Eastern Cape Committee Member, Events
Company Name
Magnetic Storm
Contact Details
082 906 4198 / davidl@magneticstorm.co.za
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
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
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.
Position on SAACI Committee
Western Cape Acting Chairperson
Company Name
XL Millennium Travel – Project Manager
Contact Details
082 457 8071 / ansuc@millenniumtravel.co.za
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
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.
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.
Company Name & Designation
Magnetic Storm – Chief Executive Officer
Contact Details
082 800 2616 / glenn@magnetic.co.za
Bio
Glenn van Eck started in the industry at the age of 16 and 40 years later he still loves events. Over the years he has worked on all types of events from Site Co-ordinator on International Concerts, Festival Director for large outdoor events such as Peoples Port Festival 2018 and 2019, SPLASH Festival 2019 to 2011 and FIFA 2010 Fan Fest™ Director in Nelson Mandela Bay which had the 3rd highest attendance in the country.
Glenn believes that one should always give back to your industry and community and has as such served on the SAACI National Board since 2009, originally as the EC Branch Chair and then as the National Treasurer, a position he still holds.
As the CEO of Magnetic Storm, Glenn believes in giving back to the community and as such Magnetic Storm supports both Local Theatre as well as School Theatre. Over the years, Glenn and his team have built Magnetic Storm from a Mobile Disco to a multi-faceted Events Company specialising in Event Management as well as Hybrid Conferences and Events.
Glenn is passionate about mentoring young event professionals and believes that the Events Industry needs to be professionalised before government decides to do it, as such he was instrumental in forming the Council for Events Professionals Africa, the Professional Body for the Events Industry. Glenn is currently Chairman of CEPA and looks forward to individuals certifying as Event Directors, Event Managers and Event Co-ordinators, thereby receiving the recognition they richly deserve.
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.
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
Position on SAACI Committee
Eastern Cape Committee Member
Company Name & Designation
Peri Expo – Owner
Contact Details
082 578 5987 / andrew@periexpo.co.za
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
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
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.
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
Position on SAACI Committee
Vice Chairperson
Company Name & Designation
INHOUSE VTM / Gearhouse SA – Business Development Manager
Contact Details
061 609 8585 / gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com
Bio
Gheeta has fulfilled various roles and is now an experienced and ambitious Business Development Manager, currently working for INHOUSE Venue Technical Management, part of the Gearhouse Group of Companies, who are one of the leading Audio-Visual Partners in South Africa.
She wears many hats within our industry and has been on the SAACI Western Cape Committee, since 2019. As of April 2022 she has been elected as the Youth Portfolio Representative on the SAACI National Board. More recently, she has been selected as the African representative on the ICCA Future Leaders council.
Her passion is to develop future leaders by extending their influences and creating opportunities within the Events and Hospitality industry and volunteers her time to be the voice of our South African youth by being part of, and providing insight into these challenges which they face by attending industry events.
Company Name & Designation
Into Africa DMC – Managing Director, MICE
Contact Details
079 429 1627 / alex@intoafrica.co.za
Bio
Alex is a shareholder and Director of Business Events at Into Africa. She is South African and joined the Into Africa team in 2012. It was during a London stint that she found her passion in major events by working on the FIFA World Cup 2010 and London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. She has gone from Project Manager to overseeing the MICE department and focusing her attention on large scale events and conferences.
Position on SAACI Board
Gauteng Branch Chairperson
Company Name & Designation
Nxlevel Consulting – Managing Director
Contact Details
082 929 5241 / neil@nxlevel.co.za
Position on SAACI Committee
Johannesburg Branch Chairperson – Events
Company Name & Designation
Flock Eventing Platform – Senior Accounts Manager
Contact Details
081 574 9493 / mary@flockplatform.com
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
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
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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:
The individual is:
