As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, SAACI is proud to highlight the emerging voices shaping the future of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. In this in-depth Q&A, we speak with Luvuyo Maqungo, a member of SAACI’s Youth Council, about his journey into the events sector, the challenges he’s navigating as a young professional, and the transformative trends he sees on the horizon.
1. What initially sparked your interest in the MICE and events industry, and what keeps you engaged today?
I first got interested in the MICE and events world during my tourism studies, where I saw how events can create real economic value and memorable experiences. What keeps me excited is how there’s always something new to learn and new ways to grow with each event.
“As someone just starting out, I love how fast-paced and creative it is, plus the chance to bring people from all kinds of backgrounds together.”
2. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced or foresee facing as a young professional in this industry, and how are you navigating them?
I’m tackling this by staying curious, grabbing every chance to learn on the job, and building a good network. Being open to feedback and willing to adapt has really helped me get better and more confident with each project.
“One of the toughest things for me as a young professional has been breaking into a pretty competitive industry and proving myself without tons of experience.”
3. How do you see the MICE and events industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, particularly concerning sustainability and inclusivity?
Over the next five to 10 years, I think the MICE industry will focus way more on sustainability and inclusivity – not just as buzzwords, but as real priorities. I’m excited to be part of this change and help create events that make a positive impact.
“Events will likely push eco-friendly choices, like cutting waste and using local resources, while also ensuring everyone feels welcome and included.”
4. What skills or areas of expertise do you believe are most crucial for young professionals to develop to thrive in the current and future MICE and events landscape?
Being comfortable with tech (like event software and data tools) is also key. And, soft skills – like creativity, cultural understanding, and staying calm under pressure – are just as important, especially when working with different teams.
“To do well now and in the future, I think young people need solid project management and communication skills, plus the ability to adapt quickly.”
5. In what ways do you believe technology can be further leveraged to enhance the attendee experience and streamline event operations?
Technology can really improve events by making them more personalised and interactive. Things like AI matchmaking, AR/VR experiences, and live polls are becoming increasingly popular. On the backend, automation and data analysis help make everything run smoother, from registration to follow-up.
“As tech keeps improving, it’s about using it to make events more engaging and accessible for everyone.”
6. How important do you think networking and mentorship are for career growth in this industry, and what strategies do you use to build your professional network?
I try to get involved by going to industry events, joining groups, and staying active on LinkedIn to meet people. I also look for mentors, ask lots of questions, and learn from their experiences to guide my own path.
“Networking and mentorship are super important in this industry, since so much comes down to who you know and learning from others.”
7. Can you share an example of an innovative or impactful event you’ve been involved in or witnessed that inspired you, and what made it stand out?
One event that really stuck with me was a hybrid sustainability conference I attended during my school years. It mixed live talks with interactive online sessions and made a real effort to be eco-friendly by using green materials and encouraging remote attendance.
It showed me how innovation and purpose can come together to make events meaningful and inclusive – and that’s what I want to help create in my career.
8. What advice would you give to other young people considering a career in the MICE and events industry?
My advice for anyone thinking about a career in events is to stay curious, be willing to jump in, and say yes to all kinds of opportunities, even the small ones. Most importantly, stay flexible and open to learning, because this industry moves fast and is always changing.
“Every experience teaches you something and helps you grow your network.”