The Planner Guru

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Scan Display turns 30!

Last month, South African exhibition and events specialist, Scan Display, celebrated its 30th anniversary with events at its Johannesburg and Cape Town branches. Team members gathered to commemorate the milestone, reflect on the company’s journey and recognise the people who have contributed to its success over the past three decades. Justin Hawes Justin and Heather Hawes  Celebration of team members A highlight of the celebrations was the recognition of long-serving employees, several of whom have been with the company for more than 20...

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FESTIVAL OF EVENTING CONFIRMS 2027 DATES AND WELCOMES LYNDON BARENDS TO ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Africa’s event execution community has a new date in the diary: 17–18 March 2027 at The Canvas Riversands   The Festival of Eventing is officially gearing up for its next chapter. Following the success of its inaugural edition, the Festival of Eventing will return on 17 and 18 March 2027, taking place at The Canvas Riversands in Johannesburg. And that is not the only big news.   FOE is also delighted to announce that respected business strategist, transformation leader and partnership specialist Lyndon Barends has joined the Festival of...

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What your team actually wants from 2026 year-end functions

End 2026 on a high note by locking in your function date, and trying something new Love them or hate them, end-of-year celebrations are a staple on the corporate calendar. They’ve become an important part of team building, a way to share company results and set out plans for the new year and, more recently, a chance to bring hybrid teams together for a day (or evening) of in-person bonding. But rule of thumb? If you haven’t secured your date, venue and suppliers by end-August or beginning of September, pickings will be slim. “Year-end remains...

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Vergelegen celebrates back-to-back Best Wine Farm Experience wins

Vergelegen has done it again –  for the second year running, this acclaimed Somerset West wine estate has been named the Best Wine Farm Experience in the public-nominated Kfm Best of the Cape Awards. From its beautiful natural surroundings and exquisite gardens, to its award-winning wine, food and warm hospitality, Vergelegen delivers experiences that keep 160 000 visitors coming back annually. “We are absolutely honoured,” said Vergelegen managing director Wayne Coetzer, when the results were announced. “Thank you to everyone who has made a...
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Digital Magazines

Meetings

Meetings magazine is South Africa’s leading business events publication, connecting professionals across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. The July/August 2026 edition celebrates the people, ideas and experiences shaping the future of MICE, with a special focus on Women in MICE and the theme Timeless Influence. Readers can explore leadership insights, Gauteng’s dynamic business-events offering, innovative venues, inclusive event design, AV and entertainment trends, sustainability, safety and industry development. Through expert commentary, practical insights and inspiring industry stories, Meetings continues to inform, connect and champion the people driving South Africa’s business events sector forward.

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

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

This month, we head to the heart of the Limpopo Lowveld, where Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional business event setting.

Ideal for executive retreats, strategy sessions, incentive programmes and intimate conferences, the hotel combines contemporary comfort with the tranquillity and adventure of the bushveld.

Delegates can move seamlessly from productive meetings to relaxed downtime, whether enjoying the Amani Spa, dining experiences and poolside moments, or exploring nearby attractions such as Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon.

Thoughtfully designed to blend into its natural surroundings, the hotel features warm finishes, contemporary interiors and expansive views that keep guests connected to the landscape.

For planners looking to create an experience that feels both professional and memorable, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit brings together business, wellbeing and authentic safari living in one inspiring destination.

Supplier of the Month

LaserX

Operating since 1993, the company describes itself as South Africa’s longest-running laser production company, specialising in creating high-impact visual experiences using laser and water technology. Its solutions can scale from corporate environments to major stadium productions, with services including laser graphics, full-colour laser effects, outdoor laser projections and laser mapping. And lasers are only part of the picture.

LaserX’s broader experiential offering includes water screens, water curtains, programmable fountains and WaterGraphic technology, which can use controlled falling water droplets to create words, logos and imagery. The company also provides low-fog and CO2 effects for productions requiring an additional theatrical or atmospheric element.

That breadth makes the company particularly interesting for event organisers looking beyond conventional lighting and searching for ways to create stronger entrances, reveals, branded moments, stage experiences and visual storytelling.

Importantly, spectacular effects also require specialist knowledge. LaserX places a strong emphasis on professional laser safety and operates according to International Laser Display Association (ILDA) safety guidelines.

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