Africa Event Connect

Zandi Sibisi aka Zandi Soul, Founder & Director of ZA Conferences, joins Africa Event Connect to unpack the realities of hotel and group event management - from operational excellence and the gap between promise and delivery, to her dual life as a DJ, and the future of women’s leadership in hospitality across Africa. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

What if your event was already failing before the venue was booked? In this episode, Projeni Pather speaks with Mulemwa Moongwa, Meeting Architect and former Central Bank of Zambia planner about designing events for outcomes, not attendance, and why the brief is where most African events are won or lost. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

What separates an event people attend from one they never forget? In this episode, Projeni Pather speaks with Tamlynne Wilton-Gurney, CEO of IDNA Africa about the psychology of event design, emotional storytelling, and why Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the future of experiential events. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

Exhibitions are evolving as AI and technology reshape how value is created and experienced. In this conversation, Projeni Pather and Errol Bryce explore innovation, leadership, and the practical application of technology in the events industry, focusing on what is truly driving progress and what requires more intentional adoption moving forward. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

Johannesburg is more than an economic hub, it is a driver of connection, opportunity, and growth across the continent. In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Rendani Khorombi of the Johannesburg Tourism Company shares how business events shape cities, influence industries, and contribute to long-term economic impact. From global positioning to partnerships and legacy, this conversation explores...

Are we designing meetings for impact — or simply organising gatherings? In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Maarten Vanneste, meeting industry leader from Belgium and author of Meeting Architecture, to challenge how we approach MICE — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. With over three decades of experience, Maarten reframes meetings as intentiona...

Sustainability is everywhere in event marketing - but rarely embedded into real delivery. In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Herkie du Preez, Founder and CEO of STRONG PR, Marketing and Events, and a CEPA-certified event professional, breaks down how event professionals can move from intention to measurable impact across design, PR, procurement, and execution. YouTube · Spotify &middo...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather speaks with Adele Hartdegen, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, about hosting the G20 Summit. The conversation explores leadership under pressure, venue readiness, stakeholder collaboration, and what delivering a summit of this scale means for South Africa and Africa’s global credibility. YouTube · Spotify · Apple Podcasts

The exhibitions and events industry is under constant pressure, facing economic challenges, evolving client expectations, workforce shifts, and the rapid introduction of new technologies like AI. In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather sits down with Pamela Robinson, a global leadership facilitator and corporate trainer with over fifteen years’ experience across hospitality, h...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather sits down with Brett Cohen, Managing Director of Promo One, to explore how event and marketing procurement can move beyond cost-cutting to create real value. With over 25 years of industry experience, Brett unpacks the shift from commodity buying to strategic procurement, the true cost behind pricing, and why promotional products should...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather talks with David Wilson, a tech strategist and presentologist, about the future of event engagement. Together, they explore how technology, storytelling, and design can turn audiences from passive attendees into active participants. David shares insights on data-driven decision-making, the rise of hybrid and phygital experiences, and the grow...

How do you turn chance encounters into meaningful business opportunities? In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Bianca Hindmarch and Tracey Lodrich, co-founders of B&T Matchmaking, to unpack how they’re transforming event networking into a science of purpose and precision. They explore how AI and human insight work together to design smarter, more intentional conne...

From London’s theatre stages to South Africa’s grandest events, Brooke Greenhill, Managing Director of Elegant Experience, has mastered the craft of turning entertainment into emotion. In this episode, we examine how storytelling, performance, and production converge to create impact, not just spectacle. Brooke shares her journey from theatre to entrepreneurship, the creative process behind unforg...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather chats with Melisa Tsotetsi, Customer Manager at Unique Speakers Bureau, on the evolving role of speaker agencies in Africa’s event landscape. Melisa highlights how agencies go beyond booking talent - they shape narratives, align keynote content with brand strategy, and amplify authentic African voices. The discussion covers trends in aud...

What does it take to build sports and entertainment platforms in Africa that truly last? In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Lyndon Barends, CEO of Arena Holdings, to unpack the business of sustainability in events, the power of brand alignment, and why purpose-driven experiences win loyalty. From real-world case studies to future-focused insights, Lyndon shares...

Tamsin Gallick, co-founder of Events by Her and Director of One Forty Four Collective, joins host Projeni Pather to unpack her journey of building inclusive spaces for women in the events industry, from identifying the gaps that inspired Events by Her, to lessons learned in balancing creativity, business, and social impact, Tamsin shares practical insights and personal stories that highlight the p...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Dale Hefer, CEO of the Nedbank IMC Conference, to unpack the secrets behind South Africa’s most influential marketing event. Dale shares a sneak peek into the trends and themes shaping marketing in 2025, along with the real-world lessons she’s learned in building and sustaining a large-scale conference that continues to thrive....

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather sits down with Londi Khumalo, Chief Business Development Officer at Niche Partners, to unpack why the MICE industry in Africa still leans heavily on intuition over research. Londi shares her journey from curiosity-driven beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for strategic research, highlighting how data transforms decision-making, comp...

Most people think diversity is about ticking boxes. But what if everything you believe about inclusion is incomplete - or worse, performative? In this episode, Projeni Pather sits down with Pamela Xaba, a transformation leader and founder of Nonkosi Creatives, to expose the uncomfortable truths the events industry avoids. Together, they unpack the real reasons inclusion efforts fail and reveal wha...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather sits down with Keshni Reddy, Co-Founder of the Festival of Eventing, and Amanda Bokleni, the Festival’s Content Curator, to unpack one of the most exciting launches in Africa’s business events industry. Taking place on 8–9 August in Cape Town, the Festival of Eventing is not just another conference - it’s a dynamic, immersive platform de...

Women are shaping the future of MICE and tourism, yet leadership challenges persist. In this episode of Africa Event Connect, Projeni Pather speaks with Professor Nellie Swart about breaking barriers, building careers, and driving change in the industry. Discover actionable steps to advance your career, mentor others, and claim your space as a leader. Whether you're just starting out or an industr...

Africa is making waves in the global business events industry, shaping trade, investment, and economic growth. In this episode, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, ex-Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau, joins Projeni Pather to discuss Africa’s rising influence in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). From the impact of major events like the G20 to...

In this episode of Africa Event Connect, host Projeni Pather sits down with Miller Matola, founder and CEO of Millvest, to explore the transformative impact of the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA). Discover how TIFA drives investment into Africa, fosters sustainable economic growth, and uplifts local communities. Miller shares insights into the current trends in Africa’s business events sect...

Join us on the Africa Event Connect Podcast as we explore the art of organising and growing Electra Mining, Southern Africa’s largest trade show. Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions, shares insights into planning and executing a world-class event that drives trade in the industrial, manufacturing, and mining sectors. From scaling the show to engaging stakeholders and adap...

In this episode of the Africa Event Connect Podcast, host Projeni Pather sits down with Patrick Cronning, Commercial Director at ExpoGuys, to explore their pioneering Sustainable Stand Grading System. Learn how ExpoGuys is reshaping the future of exhibitions through solar-powered operations, modular stand designs, and creative reuse of materials—all while cutting costs and enhancing brand credibil...