The Planner Guru

Featured

IFES launches international research initiative to strengthen industry insight into exhibitor spending and service decisions

A new IFES global study conducted with independent research partner jwc GmbH will build an international evidence base on exhibitor spending, purchasing behaviour and the value of exhibition and event services.   While the global exhibition industry has strong data on exhibition space, visitor numbers and market trends, there is far less comparable international insight into how exhibitors allocate their budgets, what drives purchasing decisions and which services they value most. Closing this gap will help IFES members and the wider...

Featured

Mauritius’s changing visitor market opens the door for aparthotels

Mauritius may be best known for its luxury resorts, but the island’s evolution as a financial, business and investment hub is creating demand for accommodation beyond the traditional resort stay.   According to Statistics Mauritius, the island welcomed a record 1.436 million tourists in 2025, up 3.9% on the previous year. Bank of Mauritius figures show gross tourism earnings reached Rs103.4 billion (approximately US$2.2 billion) for the year.   At the same time, the Mauritian economy has diversified significantly. According to the...

Featured

AI in Event Tech: Stop Running Events. Start Winning Them.

Every new event tech cycle makes big promises. And let us be honest: event professionals have seen plenty of them flame out. From disjointed point tools that created more headaches than they solved to gimmicky gadgets gathering dust in venue closets, the industry has earned its scepticism. When you’re working with a tight budget, rising costs, and demanding deadlines, you deserve tools that help you make the most of your time. So when AI showed up promising to reinvent the wheel, planners rightly asked: Is this actually game-changing, or is...

Featured

CREATIVES CONNECT AFRIKA 2026 OPENS EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICA’S TOURISM, CREATIVE AND ENTERTAINMENT ECONOMIES

Exhibitor opportunities are now open for Creatives Connect Afrika (CCA) 2026, the AfCFTA Forum on Entertainment-Led Tourism, taking place at Alisa Hotel – North Ridge in Accra, Ghana, from 30 November to 3 December 2026. Convened by the AfCFTA Secretariat in collaboration with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) and the Government of Ghana, CCA 2026 will bring together Africa’s tourism, creative and entertainment sectors under the theme “Entertainment-Led Tourism: Transforming Pan-African Creative Wealth into Global Economic Influence.” Building on...
  • 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

This special focus annual publication provides original content specific to its niche market, including expert interviews, best practice tips and case studies, as well as the latest research findings, industry trends and trending destinations.

  • 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

STRONG PR, Marketing and Events

STRONG PR, Marketing and Events is a full-service events agency bringing creativity, expertise and an extra wow factor to every project. From concept development, logistics and on-site management to décor, design, marketing collateral, 3D renders, goodie bag coordination and entertainment sourcing, their team can manage an event or seamlessly support an existing events company. Based in Rosebank, Johannesburg, STRONG PR is known for its collaborative approach, working alongside clients, venues and industry partners to fill service gaps without taking over the relationship. Whether you need one specialist service or complete event management, STRONG PR is ready to make it happen.

Latest News

Industry Legends

Resources & Tools

Upcoming Events