Mark your calendars for August 8-9, 2025, when the Festival of Eventing launches at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. This isn’t just an event – it’s a celebration of African eventing at its finest, shining a global spotlight on the innovation, talent, and expertise driving Africa’s event industry forward.
Coinciding with Women’s Day celebrations in South Africa, the event will honour the phenomenal women shaping the industry, while showcasing the region’s leading-edge solutions and groundbreaking achievements.
A festival for the future of eventing
Imagine a two-day immersive experience that brings together the sharpest minds and most innovative solutions in eventing. The vision is to curate a dynamic ecosystem of over 999 event professionals – organisers, suppliers, venues, and tech pioneers – who are redefining how events are conceptualised and executed.
But this isn’t just another conference. This is a movement – an interactive space where attendees can experiment with new technologies, discover groundbreaking solutions, and engage in real, transformative conversations. From AI-driven event tech to sustainability solutions, audience engagement strategies to cutting-edge design, this is where the future of eventing will be shaped.
Attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations, deep-dive workshops, live case studies, and networking opportunities that go far beyond swapping business cards. They will leave not just with new skills but with a renewed sense of purpose, fresh ideas, and valuable industry connections.
Whilst one can’t eliminate the chaos, one can create a space to share, grow, and innovate together. That’s what this festival is all about.
Where every event professional belongs
Whether an independent event planner, corporate marketing lead, exhibition director, venue operator, service provider, or tech innovator – this event is designed to bring the community together. From B2B, B2C, G2G, and B2G professionals to freelancers and newcomers eager to make their mark, everyone is welcome.
This is a space where silos are broken down, barriers are removed, and a united community of event professionals emerges.
Join us in Cape Town – the ultimate eventing playground
There is no better backdrop for this industry-defining event than Cape Town – Africa’s event capital. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and rich history of event excellence, the city sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
“This is about more than just events; it’s about building a community that supports one another through challenges and celebrates each other’s successes. We want every attendee to leave feeling inspired and equipped to make a real impact,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, one of the festival’s founding members.
The Festival of Eventing invites attendees to be part of a journey that challenges norms, pushes boundaries, and creates events that truly matter. It is an opportunity to learn from visionaries, pioneers, and innovators who are shaping the next chapter of eventing.
For more information, visit Festival of Eventing.
About the Festival of Eventing
The Festival of Eventing is an event designed by event professionals, for event professionals. This is not just another industry gathering; it’s an opportunity to showcase innovation, technology, and best practices for all event professionals – from small business owners to large-scale conference and exhibition leaders.
Meet the founders
Betty Sichivula, Operations Oracle and Experience Enchantress
With 20 years of experience, a touch of magic, and an eye for precision, she ensures every high-level gathering runs smoother than a perfectly choreographed waltz.
Keshni Reddy, Commercial Conductor and Marketing Magician
Whether it’s brokering partnerships, navigating last-minute venue changes, or ensuring a seamless VIP experience, Keshni thrives on making the impossible possible—and having fun along the way.
Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Content Champion and Strategic Sage
A dynamic leader and strategic growth guru, Devi is on a mission to turn challenges into golden opportunities. With a heart for empowering businesses across Africa, her journey is filled with exciting experiences, valuable lessons, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others in the industry.
A message from the founders
“As co-founders with decades of experience launching, managing, and transforming some of Africa’s most prestigious events, exhibitions, conferences, and meetings, we’ve seen firsthand the triumphs and trials of this industry. And we know one thing for sure: it’s time we had an event that celebrates the industry while equipping us all to tackle its ever-evolving challenges.
For far too long, event professionals have worked in silos, navigating an ever-changing landscape without a true community to lean on. That changes now. We created the Festival of Eventing not just as a platform for knowledge exchange but as a space where we can connect, learn, and elevate the industry together.”
