Welcome to Africa Event Connect!
Your go-to podcast for all things MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in Africa! We’re here to bring you the latest buzz, exclusive insights, and expert advice from the events world, all with a friendly, insider’s twist. Produced by Exposure Marketing and powered by our incredible media partner, Business Events Africa, we’re diving deep into the industry that makes networking magic happen!
Why Tune In?
• Exclusive Industry Insights: Stay ahead of the latest trends and strategies driving the MICE industry.
• Expert Opinions: Gain perspectives from leading professionals and thought leaders who are redefining the events landscape.
• Best Practices: Learn actionable tips and techniques to enhance your events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Africa Event Connect is more than just a podcast—it’s a community for MICE professionals across Africa. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, we’re here to share trends, swap stories, and explore what’s next in events. Join us as we bring fresh episodes filled with practical tips, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes scoops from industry leaders. If you love events as much as we do, you’re in the right place!
All content for Africa Event Connect is the property of Exposure Marketing and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to Africa Event Connect!
Your go-to podcast for all things MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in Africa! We’re here to bring you the latest buzz, exclusive insights, and expert advice from the events world, all with a friendly, insider’s twist. Produced by Exposure Marketing and powered by our incredible media partner, Business Events Africa, we’re diving deep into the industry that makes networking magic happen!
Why Tune In?
• Exclusive Industry Insights: Stay ahead of the latest trends and strategies driving the MICE industry.
• Expert Opinions: Gain perspectives from leading professionals and thought leaders who are redefining the events landscape.
• Best Practices: Learn actionable tips and techniques to enhance your events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Africa Event Connect is more than just a podcast—it’s a community for MICE professionals across Africa. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, we’re here to share trends, swap stories, and explore what’s next in events. Join us as we bring fresh episodes filled with practical tips, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes scoops from industry leaders. If you love events as much as we do, you’re in the right place!
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 hard-won leadership lessons and the keys to creating scalable, meaningful properties that connect audiences across the continent. If you’re in events, sponsorship, or media, this is your playbook for building impact that endures.
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 power of community and connection. Together, she and Projeni reflect on the future of women in events across Africa and the bold innovations shaping the industry. An inspiring listen for event professionals seeking purpose and impact.
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. From navigating the challenges of hybrid events to curating content that truly resonates, engaging audiences, and securing sponsor buy-in, this conversation is packed with insights for marketers and event leaders who want to create impact and longevity.
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, competitiveness, and growth.
Together, they explore Africa’s evolving MICE landscape, the role of government master plans, the rising need for private sector differentiation, and insights from Londi’s 2025 Africa Perspectives Report.
The conversation underscores why research is not a luxury but a necessity.
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 what true, human-centered inclusion looks like - beyond buzzwords and social media campaigns. If you’re an event leader, team builder, or changemaker, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you the tools to lead with courage, empathy, and impact.
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 designed to unite, celebrate, and elevate the entire eventing ecosystem. From organisers and suppliers to freelancers, venues, and creatives, this festival offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned planner, a rising freelancer, or a supplier ready to stand out, this episode is your inside look at an event that’s poised to become a landmark on the African events calendar.
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 industry veteran, this conversation will empower and inspire you to take action. Don't miss this powerful discussion—listen now and be part of the movement!
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 the opportunities created by niche expos , this conversation highlights the power of business events to drive transformation. If you’re in the business of events or simply curious about Africa’s rising influence, this episode is a must-listen!
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 sector, the opportunities created by the AfCFTA agreement, and the importance of balancing sustainability with development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of Africa’s meetings industry and its potential to shape the continent’s economic landscape.
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 adapting to industry trends, Charlene reveals strategies for success and transferable lessons for the exhibition industry. Whether you’re an event professional or curious about large-scale exhibitions, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating impactful trade events.
Don’t miss it!
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 credibility.
Discover practical tips for implementing eco-friendly practices and see how educating clients and industry peers can drive a collective shift toward greener events. Whether you’re an event professional or simply curious about sustainability, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for creating a more responsible future in exhibitions.
In this episode of the Africa Event Connect Podcast, host Projeni Pather speaks with Tracy Gounden, Business Development Director at Messe Frankfurt, about the core principles of successful client engagement in the exhibitions industry.
Drawing on a decade of experience, Tracy reveals how to build lasting client relationships, adapt to changing expectations, and leverage technology for personalization. She also shares global insights from Messe Frankfurt’s approach, illustrating how to translate international strategies into local success.
Learn practical tactics for improving client relations, using feedback to drive growth, and staying ahead in a constantly evolving marketplace. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to elevate your client engagement game.
How are evolving client values, global challenges, and cutting-edge technology reshaping the world of incentive travel and events?
In this episode of the Africa Event Connect Podcast, host Projeni Pather speaks with Thembi Kunene-Msimang, COO of Tourvest MICE. They explore how shifting cultural priorities, AI-driven personalisation, and a growing focus on authenticity and sustainability are transforming the MICE landscape.
Tune in to discover why Africa is sparking global interest and how these trends are paving the way for more meaningful, impactful experiences.
In this episode of the Africa Event Connect Podcast, host Projeni Pather welcomes Adele Hartdegen, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre and Dogan Exhibitions, to discuss how 2024 transformed the face of exhibitions in South Africa.
Adele shares the venue’s journey into new sectors, the impact of African partnerships, and the international insights guiding their growth. Listen in for a front-row seat to the innovations, trends, and strategic moves set to shape the industry heading into 2025.
Join us on the latest Africa Event Connect Podcast as we sit down with Sibusiso Mncwabe, Chairperson of EXSA, to uncover the strategies driving the exhibition industry's growth. Explore EXSA's forward-thinking vision, professional development initiatives, sustainability priorities, and the transformative technologies reshaping the sector.
Discover how EXSA is pioneering innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing sustainability to redefine the future of exhibitions. Tune in for actionable insights to stay ahead of emerging trends and create impactful event experiences across Africa.
Discover how sustainability is transforming the events industry in our latest episode of Africa Event Connect! Host Projeni Pather engages with John Arvantakis, Chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF).
They discuss the crucial role of eco-friendly practices in events, highlight EGF’s efforts in promoting environmental responsibility, and share how their collaboration is paving the way for a sustainable future in the industry.
Plus, get practical tips on making your events more environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re an event organiser, a business leader, or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights on hosting events that are both remarkable and kind to the planet.
Discover how exhibitions are shaping Africa’s business landscape in this episode of Africa Event Connect!
Host Projeni Pather sits down with Gary Corin, Chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) and Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions. Together, they delve into the vital role exhibitions play in driving business growth, tackle the challenges and opportunities facing organisers across the continent, and highlight how AAXO is championing the industry’s future.
Whether you’re an event organiser, a business leader, or intrigued by the power of face-to-face connections, this conversation offers invaluable insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.
Welcome back to Africa Event Connect! This week, host Projeni Pather chats with Glenton De Kock, CEO of SAACI, about the evolving conference industry in Southern Africa.
Discover insights on industry changes, SAACI’s key initiatives, and the future of business events. Whether you’re an event professional or just curious, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives.
Join us for the launch of Africa Event Connect, featuring Irene Costa, Editor of Business Events Africa, as we dive into the evolving landscape, challenges, and future of Africa’s business events industry.
Welcome to Africa Event Connect!
Your go-to podcast for all things MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in Africa! We’re here to bring you the latest buzz, exclusive insights, and expert advice from the events world, all with a friendly, insider’s twist. Produced by Exposure Marketing and powered by our incredible media partner, Business Events Africa, we’re diving deep into the industry that makes networking magic happen!
Why Tune In?
• Exclusive Industry Insights: Stay ahead of the latest trends and strategies driving the MICE industry.
• Expert Opinions: Gain perspectives from leading professionals and thought leaders who are redefining the events landscape.
• Best Practices: Learn actionable tips and techniques to enhance your events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Africa Event Connect is more than just a podcast—it’s a community for MICE professionals across Africa. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, we’re here to share trends, swap stories, and explore what’s next in events. Join us as we bring fresh episodes filled with practical tips, big ideas, and behind-the-scenes scoops from industry leaders. If you love events as much as we do, you’re in the right place!
