The Planner Guru

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AIPC and ICC Sydney Announce Three-Year Partnership as Academy Expands to Asia Pacific

The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) have agreed to a three-year partnership that will anchor the AIPC ANZ Academy in Sydney for 2027, 2028 and 2029.  The Academy, a four-day leadership program for convention centre professionals across Australia and New Zealand, will be first hosted at ICC Sydney from 22 to 25 February 2027. The program is delivered under AIPC in partnership with the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and Business Events Industry...

Featured

What AI Can Actually Take Off an Event Planner’s Plate

  Nine out of ten South African event planners now use AI, and nearly as many are increasing their AI budgets this year. So why are teams still drowning in admin? Because most organisations treat AI like a high-speed scratchpad. They use it to draft an email or polish a blurb, then go right back to managing million-rand logistics by hand. Closing that gap means moving past basic chat windows and pointing AI where the real hours vanish.   Engineer Prompts Like a Production Brief Vague inputs get you generic junk. If you ask an AI...

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IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE, CONNECT & GIVE BACK!

One Industry. One Celebration. One Cause That Matters. C&L Travel Collection is bringing the travel and hospitality industry together for the much-loved IT’S TIME 2026 Year-End Lunch! 🥂 An afternoon dedicated to celebrating another year in travel, reconnecting with industry friends, making new connections and, most importantly, giving back to those who need it most. THIS YEAR, IT’S ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE! The event will proudly support the TEARS Foundation, an organisation providing vital support to survivors of gender-based...

Featured

Super El Niño: Is your travel programme ready for the heat?

When Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October, El Niño earned more than a passing mention. He listed it among the risks to South Africa’s fiscal outlook and moved R10bn of the in-year revenue overrun into the contingency reserve for the El Niño response and other risks, warning that its likely impact on agricultural costs and output from late 2026 into 2027 could further weaken domestic growth.   Plenty has been written about what El Niño means for holidaymakers. Far less has been said...
  • Venues
  • Suppliers

  • Meetings
  • The Meetings and Event Planner
  • The Exhibition Planner
  • CareerSuccess
  • The Incentive Planner

Digital Magazines

Meetings

This edition explores the people, places and ideas shaping memorable business events. From year-end functions and standout destinations to event marketing, entertainment, supplier partnerships and industry insights, it offers practical inspiration for planners and decision-makers.
We also feature Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, while looking ahead to the trends and opportunities shaping South Africa’s MICE and business events industry in 2027.

Digital Magazines

The Meetings and Event Planner

The 2026 edition of The Meetings & Event Planner is here — your essential guide to smarter, more strategic event planning. This year’s edition goes beyond a traditional directory, offering a powerful blend of industry insights, best practice guidance, and a curated showcase of venues, destinations, service providers, and associations across South Africa and beyond. Designed to support planners, organisers, and decision-makers, it is a practical tool to help you create impactful, experience-driven events in an ever-evolving MICE landscape.

Digital Magazines

The Exhibition Planner

The latest edition of The Exhibition Planner is here! Discover South Africa's essential guide to successful exhibitions with our new 360° approach—covering strategy, stand design, logistics, visitor engagement, sustainability, ROI and industry insights. Packed with practical advice, expert interviews and real-world case studies, this edition is designed to help you plan smarter and exhibit better.

Digital Magazines

CareerSuccess

In this issue, we explore the evolving workplace through smarter office technology, automation, digital confidence, and modern office design. Our inspiring Cover Story features Harriet Millson, founder of MadagasCaT, sharing her remarkable journey from farm life to becoming one of Madagascar’s leading travel specialists. We also spotlight PAFSA and South Africa’s PA of the Year nomination process, recognising the strategic role administrative professionals play in shaping today’s business landscape.

Digital Magazines

The Incentive Planner

The 2026/27 edition of The Incentive Planner is out now, bringing together fresh thinking, destination inspiration and practical insight for the incentive travel industry.
Explore The Incentive Reset, smarter programme design, emerging destinations, Responsible Tourism, wellness, AI, business value and changing participant expectations — plus our cover story with Premier Hotels & Resorts and Big Interview with David Hackney of Mnarani Beach Club.

  • Venue of the Month
  • Supplier of the Month

Venue of the Month

Gallagher Convention Centre

Gallagher Convention Centre offers 27 versatile venues for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners and corporate events. Set on 32 hectares, it combines picturesque gardens, more than 5,000 parking bays and convenient loading access.

An experienced team provides personalised planning support, complemented by specialist catering, event management and branding services. Solar power and recycling support its sustainability efforts, while flexible spaces and attentive service bring its promise to life: your event, your way.

Supplier of the Month

LaserX | Laser Shows, Water Shows & Special Effects

With over three decades of industry experience, Johannesburg-based LaserX specialises in creating unforgettable visual experiences for corporate events, product launches, festivals and gala evenings. Its expertise includes dynamic laser shows, precision laser mapping, branded projections, spectacular water screens and curtains, and atmospheric low fog effects. Working closely with event planners and production teams, LaserX combines creativity with technical expertise to bring ambitious concepts to life. The company is also the official South African distributor for Pangolin Laser Systems, Kvant Lasers and Laserworld, supplying professional laser hardware and software.

Website: www.laserx.co.za
Email: show@laserx.co.za

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