The second annual Meetings magazine Women in MICE celebration took place on Thursday, 20 August 2015 at Hackle Brooke Conference Centre.
Notable women from across the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry gathered at the event in order to celebrate their respective accomplishments.
“It was spectacular to be part of something so special and I think it is absolutely what’s needed in the industry. Women have always punched above their weight and I think this was a perfect occasion to acknowledge women and their place as a driving force in the industry,” says MC and managing director of MCI South Africa Rashid Toefy.
The event entertainment included a well-received lively performance by Rubber Duc which certainly elevated the spirits of the guests. Not only did Rubber Duc show their musical versatility by performing several different covers of popular songs, but they also entertained guests with funny anecdotes between songs.
“The Women in MICE event was amazing to play, I think it was the first time we played for so many women in one room. We loved the setting, the organisation and the whole event,” comments Nick Jordaan of Rubber Duc.
Meetings editor Martin Hiller with Mati Nyazema (left) and Fiona Hack (right).
Keynote speaker Lee Swan then captivated and inspired the audience as she spoke of her strenuous 700km journey to the Magnetic North Pole, proving that women are capable of achieving any goals they set for themselves.
There were several enjoyable elements at the event, such as Barmotion’s mobile smoothie bars, ingenious illustrations done by Fine-Line Illustrations, a delicious light lunch by Food Inc and well-stocked goodie bags.
Congratulations to the women selected as the Top 40 Women in MICE as well as the women who received awards in the special awards category. These awards included:
- Event Planner: Africa – Yoadan Tilahun, Flawless Events
- Event Planner: International – Sumaira Isaacs, MCI Middle East LLC, Dubai, UAE
- Rising Star: General – Anzelle Vorstman, North West University
- Rising Star: Service Provider – Yolisa Zilwa, Compex
- Rising Star: Event Planner – Shirley Gainsford, Solutions Group
- Newsmaker of the Year: Julie-May Ellingson, Cape Town International Convention Centre
- Lifetime Achiever Award – Helen Brewer, MICE Academy
- Fiona Hack Inspiration Award (Joint winners) – Fiona Hack, Unlimited Events Décor and Mati Nyazema, Sandton Convention Centre
“An event like Women in MICE is very important to acknowledge the outstanding work done by women in the meetings and event industry. It’s also important to bring these inspiring role models and the wider community together to enjoy an fun and entertaining day, with networking opportunities. Congratulations to all our deserving winners, and to the team from Meetings magazine and The Planner digital platform and handbook for creating such a memorable event,” adds Elizabeth Shorten, managing director of 3S Media.
Meetings magazine and The Planner would like to thank the guests for attending as well as for the extensive positive feedback on social media. We would also like to extend a thank you to sponsors without which the event would not have been possible: Joburg Tourism, South African National Convention Bureau, Techrig, Unlimited Events Group, The Khoja Group, Hackle Brooke Conference Centre, Compex and Barmotion.
To view the gallery of the event, click here.
