Meetings magazine and SA Conference celebrates the women who have made their mark on the MICE industry. Everyday this week we will be highlighting eight of the phenomenal women who made the list.
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- TOP 40 WOMEN IN MICE: PART 1
JULIE-MAY ELLINGSON
CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (as of 1 Sep 2014)
Service provider: Venue
Looking at her track record and impressive credentials, it is no surprise that Julie-May has been appointed the new CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. She has extensive experience in construction, a thorough understanding of municipal government legislation and a proven track record when it comes to organising and hosting major international events and conferences. For the last three years, she fulfi lled the role of CEO of the International Convention Centre where she was instrumental in transforming the centre into a profitable business entity. Julie-May is the chairperson of the Global Alliance of Congress Centres. As a well-respected professional, she has played a key role in the successful bidding of local and international conferences.
FAST FACT She holds a degree in economics and a masters degree in town and regional planning from the University of KZN.
MANDY ELLIOTT
Owner of Meetings Management Services International (MMSI)
Event practitioner
Mandy began her career in the MICE industry in 1999 by mistake โ the best mistake she has ever made. Having worked on international congress logistics and general travel and events management, Mandy made the decision to open up her own specialised events management company and, in 2010, MMSI was founded. In 2013, MMSI handled 75 events ranging from five delegates travelling to international destinations to simultaneous multiple-city events with 2 700 attendees. Mandyโs attention on to detail in event execution has received various comments from her client base, which consists mainly of pharmaceutical companies.
FAST FACT One of the highlights of her tenure at Pfizer was implementing a strategic meetings management programme that resulted in a R1 million savings achieved in the first year.
NINA FREYSEN- PRETORIUS
Owner of The Conference Company
Event practitioner
Nearly 20 years ago, Nina got her first job at a Durban conference company. Today, sheโs the owner of The Conference Company, one of South Africaโs largest and most-noted professional conference organisers โ running out of three offices in Durban, Cape Town and Joburg. She has confessed that when she started her company, she never imagined it would grow into such a big operation involved with high profile conferences. Her passion and dedication for this industry have resulted in her being elected to various associations, locally and globally. She has served as chairperson of SAACI and been a board member of the International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA).
FAST FACT Under Ninaโs leadership, The Conference Company organised the UNโs COP17 meeting in Durban, in 2011.
GILL GIBBS
CEO of ConCept G Exhibitions and Events
Service provider: Exhibition services
Gillโs hands on approach, experience and, most importantly, passion are the driving forces behind ConCept Gโs growing success. Those who have worked with her have said that the industry runs through her veins. Gillโs mantra is to build and
maintain relationships with her clients. By doing this, she is able to go beyond the initial client brief and give them a stand that is out of the ordinary. Gill is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and she is always on-site at a stand build. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed โ Gill won the Supplier Employee Award (Stand Designers and Manufacturers) at the EXSA Awards in 2013.
FAST FACT Gill has been instrumental in ConCept Gโs phenomenal growth over the last four years. Under her leadership and guidance, ConCept G has extended its network into China and has became an OPSI member.
KIM GLOYNE
Co-owner of Vanila Exclusive Event Management
Event practitioner
After spending five years working in the events industry in London, Kim returned home to explore the local field. Her strengths are definitely attention to detail, the ability to delegate and time management โ Kim obtained her diploma in conference, exhibition and event management while working on numerous high-profile events. In 2005, she joined forces with Emma Branson and opened Vanila Exclusive Event Management. What started out as a wedding/private functions company, quickly led into the corporate world of clients, including Absa, Allan Gray, British American Tobacco and Rand Merchant Bank. Kim ensures that all her events deliver maximum impact and effectiveness.
FAST FACT Kim describes herself as a lover of all things fun and exciting, wife to the best hubby Steve and mom to two incredible boys.
IRENE HATTINGH
Owner of Irene Hattingh Management Services
Event practitioner
With more than 18 yearsโ experience in event project management and various aspects of event coordination, Irene has made a name for herself in the industry. She has worked with budgets over R2 million and has had to deal with over 3 000 event attendees. Besides being known for her dedication, attention to detail, commitment and great organisation skills, Ireneโs infectious laugh and her ability to solve any crisis are the reasons why many blue-chip clients have trusted her with their events. Experienced in organising any type or size of event, Irene is in her element when she has to deal with a sports star or two!
FAST FACT Irene is the driving force behind Stop Hunger Now Mandela Day, which aims to pack in excess of 500 000 meals with over 5 000 employees from various corporates.
CHARLENE HEFER
Portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery
Event practitioner
Charlene joined Specialised Exhibitions in 2010 as a sales executive and worked her way up to portfolio director. She has recently been appointed as one of the local board members. Prior to her position with Specialised, she spent 10 years in the publishing industry where she learnt the tricks of the trade. Charleneโs leadership style is described as driven and dedicated โ she is a great mentor and encourages others to believe in themselves. Charlene truly values the relationships she holds with her superiors, peers and personnel โ and she invests a lot of time in them. Everything she does, she does with integrity, passion and a hint of tactful, feminine compassion.
FAST FACT Charlene always sends a bunch of flowers to her marketing manager on a show opening, to wish them good luck.
JACQUI HIGGINS
Marketing and media manager for CLA Brand & Event Engineering and TechRig Technical Solutions Agency
Service provider/Event practitioner
A Jozi born and bred journalist for 15 years, Jacqui has worked across various glossy magazine titles. The late nights and tight deadlines prepared her for the MICE industry. She has conceptualised several innovative ideas to showcase both the events and technical company in effective and interesting ways. Her creative input and knowledge of media have been extremely useful as she constantly manages to secure positive exposure for the work that both companies are involved in. She is well liked by the other members of the team thanks to her easy-going manner and outgoing personality.
FAST FACT Jacqui loves innovative technology and building brands in unexpected ways. She hates bullies, bribery and corruption and is an anarchist at heart.
