They say public speaking is one of the greatest fears in the world—second only to… spiders. And yet, standing on stage at the 2025 Women in MICE Awards, surrounded by over 160 guests and the most inspiring women in the events industry, the fear quickly turned to fire.
On 6 August 2025, the Women in MICE Awards lit up Gallagher Convention Centre with a celebration of excellence, resilience, and innovation. Hosted by 4Mal Media Management, the afternoon paid tribute to the Sheroes, Connectors, Collaborators, and Innovators who have not only shaped the past year but are boldly leading the industry into the future.
Honouring Excellence
This year’s awards were not just about recognition—they were about rewriting the narrative of what leadership in the MICE industry looks like. From sustainability to technology, rising stars to legacy builders, the winners embodied heart, hustle, and impact.
The 2025 Winners:
- Anthea Buys – Association Representative of the Year | AAXO
- Melody Barber – Collaborator of the Year | PCO Alliance Network & Be Different
- Natasha Heiberg – Exhibition Organiser of the Year | Specialised Exhibitions
- Jen Wulff – Incentive Planner of the Year | Into Africa DMC
- Ms Corne Engelbrecht – Lifetime Achievement Award | SAVETCON Event Management
- Justin Hawes – Male Supporter of the Year | Scan Display Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Tes Proos – MICE Industry Leader of the Year | Crystal Events & SITE Africa
- PCO of the Year | SAVETCON Event Management
- Ntombizodwa Setsoai-Nxumalo – Rising Star of the Year | Scan Display Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Megan De Lillie – Service Provider of the Year | Scan Display Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Yasmine Kazadi-Mancotywa – Small Business Owner of the Year | Mercatique Consulting
- Nicolle de Bruyn – Sustainability Champion of the Year | IWMSA
- Aimée Plank – Tech Adopter of the Year | StrongPR Events & Marketing
- Millicent Monnakgotla – Venue Representative of the Year | Gallagher Convention Centre
- Jo-Ann Sudbury – Venue Representative of the Year | Upstage AV Company & San Quentin Venue at Prison Break
Each winner’s story reminds us that success is not just measured by titles or trophies, but by the impact made along the way.
A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude
In her welcome address, Antois Leigh Nepgen, Publisher of 4Mal Media Management, shared an emotional and powerful message:
“Before we dive into the magic of this afternoon, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible partners who have walked this journey with us. Without your belief in this platform, none of this would be possible.”
Special thanks go to our gift sponsors, trophy sponsors, partners, and our phenomenal judging panel:
John Arvanitakis, Angelique Smith, Ellen Oosthuizen, Thembi Kunene-Msimang, and Londi Khumalo—thank you for your time, expertise, and fairness in choosing this year’s honourees.
To the glowing nominees, thank you for sharing your journeys, inspiring stories, and unwavering passion for the MICE industry. You are all champions.
To our guests and attendees—thank you for cheering, supporting, and showing the true power of industry sisterhood and unity.
And above all, a deeply personal note of thanks:
“To the incredible 4Mal Media team, my backbone throughout this journey, thank you for standing by me day in and day out, pushing through every deadline, challenge, and curveball with grace and grit.
And to DU 3D Prints, your unwavering support, creativity, and presence throughout the entire process meant more than you know. Thank you for being part of this journey, from concept to celebration.”
2026: A Bold New Chapter for Women in MICE
As the afternoon reached its pinnacle, Antois Leigh shared a groundbreaking announcement:
“Together, we are thrilled to announce something truly special…
In 2026, for the first time ever, the Women in MICE Awards Launch Breakfast will be hosted in Cape Town, in proud collaboration with RX Africa during WTM Africa on 15 April 2026. This marks a bold new chapter as we broaden our impact—not just in South Africa, but across Africa and beyond.”
This partnership underscores Women in MICE’s evolution from a local celebration to a continental platform for progress.
Sheroes. Connectors. Collaborators. Innovators.
The 2025 event theme was more than a banner—it was a bold call to action. As Antois concluded:
“We are SHEROES, rewriting the narrative of leadership.
We are CONNECTORS, building bridges.
We are COLLABORATORS, rising stronger together.
We are INNOVATORS, dreaming beyond the possible.
Let’s take today as a reminder of our strength, our brilliance, and our limitless potential. Let’s continue to mentor, support, champion—and most importantly—to rise, together.
Because when women rise, the industry thrives.”
🗓️ Join us for the 2026 Women in MICE Launch Breakfast at WTM Africa!
For partnership opportunities or media coverage, contact us at antois-leigh@4mal.co.za
